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India’s COVID-19 crisis: ‘our colleagues are working tirelessly’

RCN commends staff, as minute’s silence is held for those who have died around the world
Medics with a patient in a wheelchair in Kolkata, India on 27 April

RCN commends healthcare staff, as minute’s silence is held to honour those who have died around the world

Medics with a patient in a wheelchair in Kolkata, India on 27 April
Staff caring for a patient in Kolkata, India on 27 April Picture: Alamy

Nurses in India have been commended for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a minute’s silence took place to honour health and social care staff globally who have lost their lives.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis in India, where the official death toll is more than 200,000, RCN president Anne Marie Rafferty said: ‘We stand in solidarity with our nursing colleagues, who are working tirelessly to provide lifesaving care to patients. Their expertise is crucial to meet the enormous challenges posed by the pandemic.’

Honouring nursing staff who have died while doing their job

‘We know that many of our Indian members will be worried about loved ones at this time, and we are committed to supporting them and their families.’

Health and social care staff in India and around the world who have lost their lives in the pandemic were honoured with a minute’s silence at noon on 28 April, as part of International Workers’ Memorial Day. The day is held every year to remember workers who have lost their lives through their work.

It is estimated that 17,000 healthcare workers around the world have died in the COVID-19 crisis.

Professor Rafferty said: ‘Nurses have borne the brunt of this cruel pandemic, including the toll on their own lives. Nursing staff continue to support patients and their loved ones, but let’s take a moment to remember our colleagues, their friends and families, to whom we owe so much.’

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