Nepal health workers during Covid-19 battle more than just the virus

Health

workers across the globe have been under great pressure during the global Covid-19 pandemic as countries dealt with equipment shortages and limited facilities. In many regions, medical staff have been praised for their heroic efforts in continuously taking care of overwhelming numbers of infected patients.

Yet, in some regions, health workers face social challenges and stigma for their medical work during the pandemic.

They do not only deal with hospital beds filling up with coronavirus cases and the fear of contracting the virus themselves, but risk the wellbeing of their own mental health. In countries where resources are particularly stretched, such as in Nepal, pressure comes from many directions.

Pratik Khanal is a public health professional who explains more, having recently co-authored a published study exploring the mental health impacts of Covid-19 on health workers in Nepal.

Above: The study on mental health impacts among health workers received the best research award at the national summit organized by Nepal Health Research Council. © Kiran Paudel (study team member).