Women lead state’s fight against coronavirus
Bhubaneswar: Women have taken the lead in the fight against Covid-19 in the state. The leadership and perseverance showcased by women, not just those in key administrative positions but at the grassroots, have helped Odisha keep its patient count to a relatively low 50. From contact tracing to collecting samples, from testing potential infection carriers to purchasing protective gear and ensuring accessibility to food, essential items and masks, these women are working shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.
Take for instance the three big testing facilities in the state — AIIMS and the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Each is headed by women. Then there is Shalini Pandit, mission director of National Wellness Mission, Yamini Sarangi, managing director of Odisha State Medical Company Limited, and Sujata Karthikeyan, director of Mission Shakti, all of who are leading from leading.
AIIMS director Gitanjali Batmanabane said she was absolve to focus on her work merely because her mother was controlling the home front. “We are usually constantly on call, even in night. We have to end up being alert 24X7. Coronavirus has used over everything, ” she additional.
The RMRC, the wing of the Indian Medical Research Council in Bhubaneswar that has taken the lead function in testing for Covid-19, is certainly not only headed by the woman, the majority of the members are also women. “Our virus research and diagnostic laboratory is headed by Jyotirmayee Turuk, whose team of scientists plus technicians comprises several hardworking women. Women have more perseverance plus they do their work more thoroughly, ” said director of RMRC, Sanghamitra Pati.
Sanghamitra thanked both the male scientists at RMRC and the family members members of the women employees for providing mental and physical support to them during this challenging time. “We are making sure our staff do not suffer a burnout because of the work pressure. The trust of the particular state and the confidence that will the people have shown in us have given us the motivation we needed to do the job, ” she added.
The head of the particular microbiology department of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Nirupama Chayani, said her priority right today was work and only work. “I am coming home for an hour every day and then eat. I think God provides made women strong for such difficult times. ”
Shalini, whose team is from the forefront of the fight, said, “Women have always managed the bulk of healthcare. There are many faceless workers, including women doctors, nurses screening Covid-19 patients and health workers (ANM, AWW, ASHA) going from house to accommodate and checking the health of the people. ”
MD of OSMCL, Yamini, said, “No doubt enough time all of us are going through is really stressful, but I am not really tired. My family is a big support for me. In terms of procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), essential drugs, surgical equipment, their state is very properly prepared. Besides, orders have now been positioned for 424 units of ICU ventilators. ”
Not really just women at the top, lakhs of women fighters across the state work day within and day out to create people’s lives easier. Among them are over 70 lakh women of self-help groups. Mission Shakti director, Sujata, said, “They are our own social capital. During any hard time, our grass-root sheroes have got always come forward and given their support; be it in the shape of creating awareness, making masks or even providing cooked food to the poor. ”