As the fear of a third wave of COVID-19 is looming large, the Haryana Government has now invited the doctors to submit their research works on the deadly virus, which could help in preparing effective policies and respond to the future challenges.
Not only this, the State Government will also give cash prizes to two doctors with best research projects related to COVID-19, a “once-in-a-century crisis”
The Department of Medical Education and Research, Haryana has invited the doctors including faculty, senior residents, demonstrators, who are currently working in government or government aided medical colleges of the state to submit their research works on COVID-19 in either of the two categories i.e. COVID-19 clinical study and COVID-19 preventive steps and social impact of the pandemic.
Two best research works, which may prove crucial in management of the pandemic, prevention or responding to the future challenges will be selected by an expert committee for cash prizes worth Rs 50000 as first prize and Rs 25000 as second prize.
After witnessing the horrors of the fierce second wave of COVID-19, the State Government is preparing to tackle the anticipated third wave. While the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was held responsible for deadly second wave in the country, Delta plus classified as a variant of concern has fueled the fears of third COVID-19 wave.
More than 6300 people in Haryana have succumbed to COVID-19 during the second wave that battered the healthcare system in the state.
“At present, COVID-19 remains the biggest concern in the world. Many doctors have done research work on COVID-19 during the first and second wave. The government is of the view that findings of such research works can help in assessing impact of COVID-19, understand the emerging challenges and plan effective future policies to tackle the pandemic in Haryana,” said a senior official of the State Government while talking to The Pioneer.
He said, since doctors are the first line defence of the country in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, we have also decided to give a cash prize to two such doctors whose research works would be selected by an expert committee.
The research papers related to COVID-19 will be evaluated by the committee of experts which will comprise Directors of Medical Colleges or Universities and senior doctors, he added.
Notably, the second COVID-19 wave that began in the month of March accounted for about 67 percent of over 9400 COVID-19 fatalities in Haryana till date.
Over 4.97 lakh positive cases have been reported during the second wave which overwhelmed the state's healthcare system and led to shortage of hospital beds, life-saving drugs and medical oxygen in Haryana. The state had reported the highest 15,786 positive cases on May 4 while the highest ever 181 fatalities in a single day were reported on May 5. During the first COVID-19 wave upto February 2021, a total of 3050 people had died while 270950 were found infected with the virus in Haryana.