Bini Dahal

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no sign of abating, an increasing number of people have succumbed to it. The virus cases are rising at an alarming rate, putting greater pressure on the healthcare system. The unprecedented health crisis calls for urgent state’s support to the citizens irrespective of their economic status. However, the government’s recent announcement with regard to the treatment of the COVID-19 patients put the public in a quandary.
The government has said that it will bear the treatment costs of the poor, single women, disabled, senior citizens, frontline health workers, sanitation staff and security personnel. Individuals who do not fall into these groups will have to foot the medical bill on their own. Also, the government will not manage the bodies of those who die while they are in home isolation.
Many have criticised the government for not fulfilling its pubic obligation. Even the constitution has guaranteed health as the fundamental right of citizens. On top of that, the nation has been reeling from a pandemic. But it seems the decision will not change anytime soon. And by the time it may change, we do not know how many more people will catch the virus.
This decision is also an eye-opener to all of us about what steps we should take next. These days, a group of youths called RNA-16 is fast becoming popular among people in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. The self-less team is taking responsibilities of transferring the coronavirus patients to hospital for treatment and managing the bodies of those who succumb to the deadly virus. Though the neighbours around the youths' homes fear they will contract the virus, many people are commending their humanitarian service.
They are the frontline workers who have not received the kind of attention they deserve for their selfless works in this challenging time of the pandemic. The unsung heroes have demonstrated that we have the ability to bring about changes in the society through our dedicated efforts and confidence. Not just this group, there are hundreds and thousands of people who are working hard even to make a small difference during this unprecedented crisis.
They could have done more but it’s us who are quite unsatisfied with their work. We tend to nitpick and call their social services an act of danger as we fear for our lives too much than of others. But our inaction and mistrust can demotivate them. And now that the government tries its best to make its citizens independent, such act of discouragement can backfire on us in the long-run.
So how about we become independent in our actions, support ourselves and others and fight this virus? First of all, we need to overcome the social taboo that is deeply rooted in us. In no way can this kind of preconceived notion and unworthy fear for our lives do any good. High expectations are unwarranted and we need to be independent.
The government should also alter its approach towards its citizens. While some people may be able to pay for test and treatment, there remains a group of the population besides the vulnerable who require support. The government needs to understand the inequality that exists in the country and fulfil its public obligations. Also, making public independent may be a logical reason. But can we be independent at this time of crisis when people's incomes have dwindled considerably? This is really a matter to ponder over seriously.