The medical staff in the epicenter of the Wuhan outbreak are facing unprecedented pressures as the number of people heading to the hospital continues to rise. As of January 26, the Corona virus has caused 55 deaths, all of whom are Chinese, with nearly 400 new infections reported.
China has mobilized additional medical personnel from neighboring provinces and cities to support Wuhan. However, the facilities and medical equipment are rapidly running low. Despite the harsh and difficult circumstances—where they even have to wear diapers to use the restroom—many doctors and nurses are still threatened and insulted by the patients seeking treatment.
According to Yahoo TW, a Chinese netizen shared a screenshot of a conversation between themselves and a female friend working in a hospital. The nurse mentioned that she is not allowed to take time off for the holiday this year due to the outbreak of the Wuhan pneumonia.
The nurse recounted that she encountered a patient who was running a fever in the hospital, so she suggested that the man wear a mask to prevent cross-infection with others. However, the man went crazy and threw away the mask she provided. He shouted: “I’ve already been infected, what good does a mask do now?“.
Yet, it didn’t stop there; the man stood up, removed the nurse’s medical mask, and spat in her face, telling the surrounding medical staff: “If I can’t live, you all will die with me“.
The nurse told her friend that it was the first time she cried in her nursing career, and shortly after, she was isolated in the hospital. Despite the ironic situation, the nurse remained optimistic and believed she would be fine.
Additionally, a post shared on Weibo reported that a doctor in Wuhan had a similar experience. According to this doctor, they were assaulted by the family members of a patient who were angry and tore the doctor’s clothing because the hospital was overwhelmed and everything was in short supply.
“Why are you wearing protective clothing? If we are about to die, everyone must die together“, a patient’s family member angrily said.
Not only facing pressure from the victims’ families, but the doctors in the epicenter of Wuhan were also helpless in the face of hospital leadership disappearing during this tense period. According to Yahoo News, a total of 15 medical staff have contracted pneumonia caused by the corona virus, and one of them died on January 24. They not only came into contact with infected individuals but also had to work excessively. However, they were not allowed to rest or have any special protection measures.
A video circulated on Chinese social media shows a medical staff member in protective gear expressing their anger at not being able to meet with the hospital leadership.
“When can we meet you? How can we go home and spend time with our families during the Lunar New Year? What have you done?“, the male medical staff member said angrily.
The man also expressed frustration that his subordinates had to arrange four shifts, allowing them only a little rest during meals before returning to work. Clearly, the man’s words were not adequately addressed from the other end of the line. “I’m not making a fuss. The patients are lying there. What are we supposed to do?“, the man said helplessly.
It is evident that the medical team in the epicenter of Wuhan is sacrificing their health, strength, and personal time to care for and treat patients. However, they do not receive respect and protection. As the Lunar New Year approaches, they are unable to go home, and no one can assure that the outbreak will be controlled soon.
Source: WOB