More than 87,000 healthcare workers have been infected with Covid-19, and just six states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, West Bengal, and Gujarat) account for three-quarters (about 74%) of the case burden. and more than 86%. of the 573 deaths due to infection, official data showed. Maharashtra alone, with the highest number of more than 7.3 lakh of confirmed Covid-19 cases so far, accounts for around 28% of infected healthcare workers and more than 50% of total deaths, according to the data. While Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had screened more than 1 lakh of healthcare workers each as of August 28, Karnataka reported that there were only 12,260 healthcare workers infected, almost half the burden in Maharashtra. Tamil Nadu reported 11,169 cases that included Asha doctors, nurses and workers. The three states together accounted for 55% of the total cases among healthcare workers. All three states also reported the highest number of health professional deaths, albeit with a large gap between Maharashtra and the other two. While Maharashtra reported 292 deaths among health workers, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had 46 and 49 deaths, respectively. Public health officials and experts view with concern a large number of Covid-19 infections and even deaths of healthcare workers in particular states, who say the risks to frontline workers may jeopardize India’s fight against the pandemic. The issue, discussed at a review meeting led by the cabinet secretary on Thursday, saw the Center warning states about the need to protect a crucial resource. Possible factors responsible for the high infections, authorities said, were lax infection control in hospitals and the need for strict containment measures in areas where healthcare professionals reside to safeguard them.
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