DODA: Mohammad Saleem Batt, a Lab Technician, is part of a huge army of Corona warriors fighting the deadly Covid pandemic across the Globe. Bhat, like his counterparts across the world, has one goal of winning the war against the unseen enemy which is threatening the existence of humanity, including their dear ones, relatives, neighbors and the countrymen.
“Constant fear of losing my people motivates me to work relentlessly in service of humanity,” Mohammad Saleem responds when asked about the source of motivation and strength for working amid the uncertainty entailing his profession.
While sharing his initial days of experience in the Covid duty, he said that there was no specialised orientation given to him for dealing with the scare this novel virus triggered across the world. “But seeing it as a potential threat to the lives of my fellowmen, I and many colleagues of mine voluntarily came forward to offer our services at various positions,” he said
“During my duty at Quarantine Centres, I used to do a shift of 12-16 hrs in a day which continued for almost two months and during this period I conversed with my children and parents only on phone or video call”, Mohd Saleem added.
Slaeem further narrated his work schedule last year when the district authorities decided to increase the pace of testing due to the huge influx of stranded labourers as well as stranded passengers coming from all over the country to the district on a daily basis. “On hearing about the shortage of staff specialised in conducting tests, I volunteered myself after keenly learning how to do covid tests,” he added.
“Till now I have conducted around 10,000 covid tests which includes both RAT and RTPCR in various containment zones” said Mohammad Saleem proudly, adding “At present I have been deployed at GMC OPD to conduct the testing alongwith my other colleagues.”
There are times when we (Medical fraternity) are in stress, completely exhausted and shattered, having anxiety, loosing hope, but we again stood up on our toes so that our people shall feel safe and secure, he added.
Mohd Saleem Batt appealed to the people to follow covid appropriate behavior so that the services rendered by the medical professionals or by any frontline worker do not go in vain.