Speaking at the inaugural of ‘Gratitude Week – A Tribute to Health Guardians’ a first-of-its-kind live web show by Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council, hon’ble Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey thanked the social impact organisation for the proposal of a memorial for healthcare workers who are fighting the battle from the front. Extending his support to the idea, Shri Choubey said he will consider the IHW Council’s demand.
The idea was also endorsed by Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi as well as Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale and other leaders of healthcare and pharmaceutical industries who attended the event throughout the week.
“The suggestion of dedicating a national memorial for our doctors, nurses and all other healthcare workers who are saving our people risking their own lives is noble and appreciable. I thank IHW Council for their suggestion. These corona warriors are doing selfless service to humanity and are protecting our country against this pandemic. I will write letter to Union Health Minister and all the chief ministers to dedicate a memorial for these heroes in the national capital and in all the state capitals,” says Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony of the 7-day-long initiative to pay tribute to the health workers.
“Every lawmaker was asked to provide ration to about 30,000 people which was a difficult task due to the lockdown. We have managed to reach a few lakh people and it would not have been possible without the help of corona warriors. We have the confidence to serve the people due to these corona fighters who have put their heart and soul in the service. I thank the IHW Council for organising this event and you’ve my word for the memorial – I will write to the PMO and Home Minister’s Office at the earliest,” says Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament.
“This is once in a generation experience and at a time when we were more focussed on non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases have come back with a bang – it reminds how important preparedness is. Doctors are coming out of their retirement to serve people despite knowing the risks and they accept the risks as a part of their duty, but at the same time want people to hear their concerns, protect, prepare, support and care for them. Hence, I endorse the idea of a memorial for healthcare workers who are toiling in such conditions,” says Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.