Dr Vikas Jamwal
It is said that it is not our thoughts, but our actions, that make us who we are. Our true character is determined based on how we tend to react to whichever adversity we might find ourselves confronting. When faced with the unexpected, it is very natural for us to rely on our true self and do what lets us be honest with ourselves. Speaking of unexpected difficulties, one can’t help but bring up the COVID 19 pandemic as a top tier example. And why not-this pandemic is, after all, a great case for us to examine our character and understand how it helps contribute to society. This pandemic brought out the best and worst in people. Among all of us who sacrificed some invaluable aspects of life, like freedom of movement or socialization without fear, one eminent class of people that is distinguished from the others is the medical frontline. Needless to say, this situation is a war that humanity is currently in the middle of, and front liners like doctors, nurses and the paramedical staff are the soldiers who are quite inarguably our last hope to resume security in our lives. Wars aren’t just physical- they take a huge toll on a person’s mental, emotional, social and psychological health, and this war is no exception.
The five to six digit numbers that make the headlines aren’t just figures, they’re actual people whom the virus hasn’t spared, and their well-being has become the responsibility of the medical professionals. With every single case, their need increases. Tough times, as they do, bring out a person’s true credibility; and similarly this war has thrown light on the integrity of the doctors who relentlessly work day and night to provide the hope that society needs the most nowadays. They are moreover dealing with the anxiety and pressure in an environment of unfortunate politicization of this grave issue and are rightly ‘war heroes’. The experience, determination and courage that it takes for them to mask their insecurities and fight on is far from ordinary.
Power is not reserved for a single person only and the collective drive and motivation that the scientists and medical workers are currently portraying justifies just that. The journey so far, without a doubt, hasn’t been easy. What makes it especially harder is the sensationalism surrounding this serious subject, and a considerable number of people being careless in adhering to the guidelines set out for the general public. Their illogicality in expecting help and service without being proactive citizens themselves adds to the mental stress and physical exhaustion. A hero needs everyone’s cooperation to use his talents and abilities and protect others from danger, and the heroic character of the medical workforce, among others as well, shines brighter than ever before.
(The author is a Medical Officer at Regional Centre ECHS, Jammu).
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