RIP Dr Marcello Natali - Doctors in the Frontline #Corona

When Dr, Marcello Natali came back from retirement to fight the Corona Virus and be a a part of the country's overwhelmed health care system, he had little idea it would be his last fight. The Doctor from Codogno came back from retirement when the deadly virus hit his small Italian town. Codogno emerged as a cluster for the virus when an Italian Cruise ship landed in its backyard, a ship which had an infected patient. Dr. Natali's father was also a doctor.

Before Dr Natali died, he brought to the attention of the country, the pressure on the Health Care system by the sudden onslaught of the virus. He talked about health care persons having to work without basic latex gloves! As a result maximum number of healthcare professionals have been affected in Italy in their fight against Corona. But this speaks more about the deadliness of the virus as it hits upon countries after countries, than the preparedness. For a relatively comfortable European town, this virus came as an avalanche and swamped the system.

I belong to a family of doctors with both my parents, numerous uncles and aunts, my brother, a my grandfather also being Doctors. I have seen the selfless service they have rendered to the community, treating patients through sleepless nights and low pay. One bed in our house was always reserved for outstation patients. Even unknown patients have come and stayed in our outhouse, for free, while awaiting treatment. I have seen my father, uncle, grandfather revered as Gods and miracle workers though all three were too impatient personalities to stop and acknowledge these sentiments!  This has somehow given us all a deep sense of reverence for the medical professionals.

Love live the medical community as it goes down to work everyday amidst lockdowns and fights cases, coming back from retirement, despite lack of gloves, amenities, systems.

RIP Dr Natali, a true upholder of the Hippocratic Oath.