COVID-19 PPE Shortage: Why Are Indian Doctors Wearing Raincoats & Helmets To Fight Coronavirus

The WHO interim guidance issued on 19 March, 2020 on the Rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) states: “Health care workers involved in the direct care of patients should use the following PPE: gowns, gloves, medical mask, and eye protection (goggles or face shield). Specifically, for aerosol-generating procedures (e.g. tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manual ventilation before intubation, bronchoscopy) health care workers should use respirators, eye protection, gloves and gowns; aprons should also be used if gowns are not fluid resistant.”

However, the weak state of public healthcare in India has led several states of the country to succumb to a plight, where both civilians and the healthcare professionals are vying for access to healthcare gears. A glaring incident occurred at Beliaghata Infectious Diseases (ID) Hospital in East Kolkata where junior doctors were given plastic raincoats, poor quality surgical masks and gloves to examine patients. According to an IndiaToday report, one of the doctors said, “We won’t work at the cost of our lives.” It is in gross violation of the prescribed standards for PPE (personal protective equipment) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dr. Indranil Khan, Radiation Oncologist in Kolkata, also expressed his grievances over this on Twitter.

The hospital’s medical superintendent in-charge, Dr. Asis Manna refused to comment on the situation.

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