COVID-19 stigma: Corona Warrior Denied Space For Burial In Odisha

Kandhamal: Despite repeated exhortations from the government to shun stigma pertaining to COVID-19, the social evil seems quite prevalent. This was evident after the body of a doctor in Odisha was allegedly deprived of a dignified burial it deserved.

The shocking incident has been reported from G.Udaygiri block in Kandhamal district.

As per reports, doctor Sapan Kumar Pradhan of Malikapadi area was rushed to Phulbani hospital after he reportedly fell sick. However, he died on the way to hospital.

The local villagers allegedly opposed the family members when they returned along with Pradhan’s body. Suspecting that Pradhan died of COVID-19, they did not allow burial in the village.

“We had taken the body for funeral, but the villagers opposed. Though we informed the local tehsildar, we did not get any assistance from the administration. My brother was not COVID-19 positive and such kind of treatment is totally uncalled for,” said deceased doctor’s brother.

It is alleged that the last rites of the Corona Warrior was also opposed by locals of another village. Only after the district administration’s intervention, the last rites of the doctor were conducted after a delay of 12 hours.

"It is a shameful incident. Be it rural or urban areas, such kind of mob mentality is dangerous. It is the role of State government to clear such misconceptions about the spread of COVID-19 through proper awareness,” said Health Expert, Dr Anang Diwedi.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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