"There is no comparison of your (doctors, nurses and other staff) selfless service to the people. I and the people of Odisha are with you and your families. I salute your spirit," said Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, lauding the dedication of the health personnel. 

The doctors, nurses and all health personnel across the state will receive their salaries for the months of April, May, June and July in the month of April itself. 

Yesterday, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced a medical insurance of Rs. 50 lakh per individual for health workers for three months. 

In other news, the Family and Welfare department has decided to appoint doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, including retired persons, on a contractual basis in different state-run hospitals amid the coronavirus outbreak.

They will be appointed on a short-term contractual basis for three months till 30th June, which will be extended if required. In terms of compensation, a specialist will get Rs 5,000 a day while a medical officer with an MBBS degree will get Rs 3,000 daily. Staff nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and radiographers will earn Rs 1,000 every day. 

It is interesting to note how leaders across the country are introducing initiatives to support the workforce, especially the healthcare sector. It is difficult for the entire economy and work for many has come to a standstill. While most of the people are working from home and practicing social distancing as advised by the government, doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff continue to work and go outside. They are more prone to risks and such initiatives and such initiatives could help them. However, these are not enough and what most health professionals also need is more protective gears and measures that keep them safe from the virus itself.