Covid-19 pandemic is turning out to be the most devastating public health crises India has ever seen, and systemic failures are apparent all around. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. There is gloom everywhere.
The pandemic has led governments, employers, workers and the general population to face unprecedented challenges and the many effects it has had on the world of work.
The World Day for Safety and Health at work is observed on April 28 and it focuses on strategies to strengthen national occupational safety and health (OSH) systems to build resilience, in order to face crises now and in the future, drawing on lessons learned and experiences from the world of work, as per the ILO.
Recognizing the great challenge that governments, employers, workers and whole societies have to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work focuses on addressing the outbreak of infectious diseases at work and the focus revolves on the COVID-19 pandemic. This year it is aimed to improve the safety and health of young workers.
There is a need to make a safe environment at work place, more in health institutions. It is for patients, doctors and allied staff. Much harm is done to patients in health-care settings because of unsafe health-care practice and unsafe health-care communication. As per experts, the quality of both practice and communication is dependent on the safety and well-being of health workers. Across the globe and people in this region must remain indebted to health workers during the current COVID-19 crises. They are not only putting in longer hours but also working under increasingly difficult circumstances, which affect both their physical and mental health. Importantly they are putting the most precious thing in the world on line—their life for the safety of others.
Everyone must express gratitude towards all the doctors and frontline health workers for making untiring efforts in the fight against the pandemic and rendering continuous services day and night.
They are an inspiration for all and continue to serve the people. Their dedication, courage, and patience is worth praise. With their support, the people can effectively control the spread of Coronavirus in the J&K. It is also incumbent on the government to make the workplace safe for them and ensure that they are provided with sophisticated equipment to guard against the ravaging virus.
There is a need for improving patient safety and promoting a culture of health worker safety and welfare.
