Kolkata: Medical students seek approval to work as Covid warriors

KOLKATA: A number of medical students, mostly in second year, have written to their institutes as well as to the director of medical education (DME) to enable them to volunteer as Covid warriors. Risking their lives, they want to utilize their skill in serving people during this pandemic and support their teachers and seniors working relentlessly.

Hrisita Chatterjee, a second-year MBBS student of IPGMER, said the idea came to her when she saw students venturing out to help the patients at many places. Chatterjee, who stays in central Kolkata, has written to the DME, medical superintendent of SSKM and to the dean of IPGMER last week. "I asked them to provide me a hostel facility so that I can stay on the hospital campus and provide service to Covid-19 patients."

Since classes were suspended in mid-March and online classes are on, she wants an opportunity to contribute to the healthcare system. "With my knowledge, I can collect samples and take blood pressure readings," she wrote. Initially, her parents were reluctant to allow her, but now they have no objection.

Arindam Ghosh and Sourav Mandal, two MBBS second-year students of IQ City Medical College of Durgapur , have also written to the DME. Ghosh, who is a resident of Katwa , said: "I want to serve Covid-19 patients. The government should think of using us." Their classmate Arito Mondal has also applied for serving as a volunteer.

Anirban De, a second-year MBBS student of ESI Medical College, has also sought permission from the DME. "Many of my classmates are also willing to volunteer. As would-be doctors, we too have a responsibility to society as our seniors and teachers are working all these months." Ditto for Subhrojit Lahiri of Murshidabad Medical College and Angshuman Mahato of North Bengal Medical College. "I can attend online classes and work as volunteer as well," Angshuman said.

Saurav Jha, a PG student of radiotherapy of SSKM and state secretary of the National Medico Organisation, said they were getting many such requests. "Our CM had earlier appealed for people to volunteer during this crisis and now these students need to be used properly as they want to be volunteers," he said.

According to MoS for health Chandrima Bhattacharya, a policy decision needs to be taken to utilize these medicos. "We need a nod from CM Mamata Banerjee, who is also the minister in charge for health," a senior Nabanna official said.