We need to protect our nearly 12 lakh doctors and 20 lakh nurses, and many other healthcare workers who are involved in tackling COVID-19, especially when the viral infection is going to peak in June-July, said Rajan Sharma, national president, Indian Medical Association (IMA).

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Citing AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria's statement on the peak of COVID-9 in June-July, Sharma said we are already experiencing an exponential rise in the COVID-19 cases in the country.

"We need to test our doctors and healthcare workers and also allow doctors to handle the requisition for PPEs. Let the doctors decide how many PPEs are required. PPE should be made GST-free and the government should also consider making the ICU management equipment GST-free. We are already into community spread. In our battle against COVID-19; we cannot forget to protect our doctors and healthcare workers", added Sharma.

He insisted India does not have the required number of doctors and healthcare workers for the 130 crore population. "After this exponential increase, the country will head towards attaining herd immunity, but in this period, we need to protect our doctors and nurses", added Sharma. Queried on blanket ban on testing of asymptomatic in Delhi, Sharma said "Please leave it to the wisdom of doctors. Moreover, doctors and hospitals cannot be penalized in the face of this unprecedented health crisis."

He added that 25 doctors have lost their lives in the general OPD. COVID-19 is a highly contagious infection. "But, suddenly testing has been stopped. Asymptomatic doctors working will not be tested. We need to test our doctors. Also, allow the resident doctor's association to handle the total number of PPEs required in the hospital while treating COVID-19 patients. India has a surplus of PPE now", said Sharma.

He added that the government should allow doctors to decide if a patient is required to be tested for COVID-19 before an elective surgery. For example, if a patient is COVID-19, then the doctor may ask the patient to delay the surgery, as surgery on COVID-19 patients can lead to complexities, added Sharma. He insisted that amid the health crisis, the government should uphold the legal rights of the doctors and should not allow any attempt to scuttle their rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.