The last one and a half years have been a challenge for each one of us. As if we all have been on survival mode fighting for our survival from an invisible deadly virus – the novel coronavirus. On one side, everyone was advised to stay indoors to save their lives, while on the other, health care workers such as doctors, nurses and other frontline warriors had to step out to save the world.

On this National Doctor’s Day, I, Dr TDR Reddy, wish to send out love and admiration to all my fellow doctors and medical care staff for not giving up. We have still not given up and we won’t until the pandemic is over.

When humans turned warriors without a shield

The initial days in the pandemic stricken country was horrific but full of hope that we will get out of this soon. However, months passed by and all we saw was hundreds and thousands of deaths each day. People say the healthcare department works on the foundation of strong and stubborn medical staff. True, we are strong-headed and firm-handed at work, but we too skipped a beat on seeing people dying.

The health infrastructure of the country was falling and all we could do was to try our best as always to save as many lives as possible. Not just us doctors, but everyone in the hierarchy of medical care took the onus of contributing to the fight against corona.

From ambulance drivers, nurses, ward boys, to general physicians, surgeons and MDs of hospitals, everyone was at the service of the nation. Being a witness of the scene, I can vouch for the solidarity and dedication of the frontline warriors in doing their bit to the highest potential.

Struggles behind the brave faces

We all know that doctors, nurses, and anyone who came in contact with the Covid infected patients is equally at risk and some of us who went back home every night remains in sheer fear of carrying the virus to our family members. This fear has kept most of us away from our loved ones for months now.

Like many, we have also lost our loved ones to Covid. We have lost our colleagues and fellow medical staff to the virus. Above all this pain and suffering that we go through every day, I am proud to say that we have not lost the battle yet.

Amidst these testing times, we are winning and losing every day since the pandemic has struck the world. This is not a boast of pride but a raw and friendly gesture of appreciation for all the frontline warriors who have been putting their lives at risk without a question.

I thank and stand with the entire healthcare staff across the nation for doing their bit with pure humility and dedication. And to anyone outside the medical care fraternity, we promise to serve you now and always.

Happy Doctor’s Day!