Mission Covid | Special Episode | Dr. Ilayaraja's Interview on the social stigma faced by medical professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic

     When the whole world had halted during the Covid-19 outbreak, there were some people that were expected to brave the virus and save other's lives too. Those people are the doctors, nurses and other people working in the medical profession. One would expect people to be eternally grateful to the medical professionals for risking everything and performing their duties in this period. However, on the contrary, they are facing even more difficulties away from work by the common people.       In this program, Ms. Gayathri recounts Kadal Osai FM's experience when 3 of its staff tested positive for the virus and the measures taken by the station to prevent further infections. Despite following all protocols and being extremely cautious, the staff of the Community radio faced social stigma by neighbours and family.       Then, we get into the interview with Dr. Ilayaraja. He is first asked about the worsening infection rate in the region. Then, he talks about the stigma faced by the staff of his clinic and the tedious measures taken by the them to prevent their clinic from becoming a hub for the virus. He is then asked about the symptoms one should watch out for if they suspect they may have contracted the virus, to which he gives a detailed explanation, from asymptomatic cases to severe infections.      Dr. Ilayaraja talks about his experience and the kind of stigma he faced during the past few months. He talks about the horrible conditions medics have to work under, such as being in PPE kits for long consecutive hours without even removing them to use the restroom. He then addresses some of the rumours that have been doing the rounds regarding him and provides his side of the story.       Finally, he has a request to the people ,i.e., to stop gathering at tea shops during the mornings and evenings. From his observation, this seems to be one of the most unnecessary and prevalent activity that could accelerate the virus spread if infected people unknowingly visit the spot.