Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the number of doctors, nurses and other para medical personnel who lost their lives in the war against the COVID-19 pandemic during the first and second waves;
(b) whether there is any proposal from Government to recognize them as COVID martyrs; and
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the present status thereon?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare does not maintain occupation wise data on COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, life insurance benefits are being provided to Health Workers under “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19”. The scheme provides a comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs. 50 lakhs to healthcare providers, including community health workers and private health workers drafted by the Government for COVID19 related responsibilities, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by it. The benefits under the said scheme have been extended for a further period of 180 days (w.e.f. 24th April 2021).
As on 15th July 2021, a total of 921 doctors and healthcare workers have been paid insurance claim @ Rs. 50 lakh each under the said scheme.
Government of India has introduced a new category called ‘Wards of COVID Warriors’ in the guidelines for selection and nomination of candidates against Central pool MBBS seats for the academic year 2020-21. Five Central pool MBBS seats were reserved for this category for the academic year 2020-21. MBBS seats were allocated for Central pool MBBS seats for candidates from amongst the wards of “COVID Warriors”, who have lost life due to COVID 19; or died accidently on account of COVID 19 related duty.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on 3rd May 2021 has advised States/UTs to undertake various initiatives to recognize and honor services rendered by healthcare workers engaged in COVID-19 related duties. Some of these include:
1. All such professionals who sign up for minimum 100 days of Covid duty and complete it successfully will be given the Prime Minister’s Distinguished Covid National Service Samman from Government of India.
2. State/UT Governments to consider giving preference in regular Government appointments of Health professionals through the respective Public Service Commission/ other recruitment bodies, for those Health Professionals under this special scheme, who complete a minimum of 100 days of Covid related duty.
3. States/UTs may also consider giving suitable honorarium for distinguished Covid Service may also be considered as per NHM norms.