Dignity In Death Eludes Doctors Who Stake Their Lives In Covid Fight

“I don’t think the medical profession is considered noble anymore,” says an emotional note from Dr. Narmada Ashok, informing colleagues across the country of the death of Dr. Simon Hercules and the horrific incidents that followed, when it came to his burial.

- Pt Jyothi Datta

Dr. Simon, the 55-year-old Managing Director of New Hope Hospital, died from COVID-19 infection. His burial was disrupted at two cemeteries in Chennai by mobs which allegedly beat up those involved with the burial attempts, including the ambulance driver. Finally, Dr. Pradeep “drove the ambulance wearing the PPE (personal protective equipment) and buried Dr. Simon with his own hands,” recounts Dr. Narmada, Secretary, Indian Medical Association (IMA-Vellore).

Having worked with Dr. Simon for about seven years and having buried him just days ago, a traumatised Dr. Pradeep says, “This should not happen to even my enemy.” With two ward boys, and a policeman, Dr. Pradeep buried Dr. Simon close to midnight.

Addressing fears of people that infection spreads from dead bodies, Dr. Pradeep clarifies, there is a protocol covering the cremation or (deep) burial of an infected person at about 12 feet.