Health professionals dying on Covid-19 duty will be considered martyrs in Odisha: CM Naveen Patnaik
BHUBANESWAR: Healthcare professionals who die doing Covid-19 duty will be considered martyrs and will be accorded state funeral, chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced here on Tuesday.
“The state will treat them as martyrs and provide state funeral with state honors,” Naveen said in a video message. Naveen’s announcement comes in the wake of mob trying to prevent funeral of a doctor who died of the viral infection in Chennai.
The CM said the state government in convergence with the Centre will ensure that Rs 50 lakh is given for all health personnel (private and public) and members of all other support services who lose their precious lives in the fight against Covid-19.
Stating that this war against novel coronavirus is being fought by doctors and healthcare professionals in the front lines, assisted by a huge army of support services, Naveen said, “We have a rich tradition of honoring our brave hearts who fight for the country and acknowledge their supreme sacrifice. In the same spirit we propose to recognize and honor the valiant work being done by our Covid warriors.
Naveen said the entire human race is in a fight with Coronavirus, observing no continent has been spared and most countries are in a state of war with this invisible enemy. “In the absence of any cure or vaccine those fighting the Covid war for us, are taking a huge risk by putting themselves in the front,” the CM said.
Naveen said a detailed scheme of awards will be instituted recognizing unparalleled sacrifice of those on Covid-19 duty. These awards will be given on national days, he said.
In case of any employee’s death the families of all government personnel (medical and others) will continue to receive full salary till the date of retirement, he said.
“I appeal to everyone that as a community we should be very grateful for this bold and selfless service being rendered by our doctors, health professionals and other support services,” Naveen said.
Reminding that any act against them is an act against the state, the CM said, “In case anyone indulges in any act that will disturb or dishonor their work, very strict criminal action will be taken against them including invoking the provisions of the National Security Act.”
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