Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday declared a red alert for medicos and medical administrators urging them to raise their guard after as many as 99 doctors around the country died after being infected by COVID-19. A majority of those doctors have been revealed to be general practitioners. 

The IMA COVID registry data states that 99 out of the 1,302 doctors infected by coronavirus around the country have succumbed to the fatal effects of disease. Among the 99 doctors, 73 were aged above 50 years followed by 19 medicos between the ages of 35-50 while seven were below 35 years.

The country's top body for doctors in a statement said, "IMA declares RED ALERT to doctors and medical administrators to raise their guard. If COVID-19 mortality has to be lessened, it has to start with doctors and hospitals,". Encouraging a strong leadership of doctors and the adoption of all best scientific practices, the statement further read, "This requires intense review and updating of all administrative set ups in the hospitals, including infection control protocols. Any gap in providing for the safety of doctors, nurses and staff have to be closed,".

The IMA also said, "A feedback system from the doctors, employees and public needs to be put in place. Cleaning and sanitising protocols should be meticulously adhered to,". It added, "Analysis of data shows that while senior and young doctors are equally infected with COVID-19, mortality is higher among elders. While this is on expected lines, there is scope for lessening deaths across the age spectrum. Meticulous adherence to norms and discipline inside hospitals will have a salutary effect,".

IMA Secretary General Dr RV Asokan said, "Friendly and scientific batch posting needs to be implemented. Working hours should be tempered by concerns of safety. Providing for PPEs, training, physical distancing and sanitisers should be monitored on a daily basis,". He added, "Operation theaters, labour rooms, laboratories and casualties require special care. ICUs and Critical Care units deserve close scrutiny for adherence to best practices and protocols,".