07 April,2021 06:31 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
This picture has been used for representational purpose
If one thought that violence against doctors and vandalism of medical facilities had waned, one recent incident has proved disconcerting.
Relatives of a young woman, who died because of COVID-19 at a Nagpur hospital, have reportedly vandalised a reception area, actually setting it on fire. The fire was contained and there were no injuries.
Post the tragic death, hospital authorities told relatives that the body was to be handed over to the municipal authorities.
The civic officials were late to arrive. In some other reports, relatives claimed that the hospital asked for money to release the body. There were reports that stated that a doctor and another staffer were attacked.
Conflicting reports give different sides of the story, though we stand firm on one count - violence like this can never be justified and firm action against those involved, there have already been arrests, is the need of the hour.
To set a reception on fire is absolutely criminal and it is fortunate that this did not cause a larger tragedy. We have already witnessed fire disasters at certain COVID centres.
Take into account the many patients on oxygen support and lungs that have been affected because of the disease. Fires are dangerous, of course, for all, but when you bring in these aspects, it is evident that a fire is sure to spell tragedy in double-quick time.
One surely is sympathetic to the family who has lost a loved one. Anyone having COVID is a stressful, anxious situation for families primarily because of little contact with the afflicted.
Complications make it doubly challenging and tragic for families. There is no excuse for violence though and the law-and-order machinery should make this clear.