As Covid-19 tightens its grip on the country, a survey conducted by the Medical Protection Society , which represents 32,000 health-care professionals in SA, has surveyed doctors' psychological wellbeing.
MPS reported that 60% said they were concerned about the health of their families and friends, 54% were worried about finances and 42% about their own health.MPS's Dr Volker Hitzeroth said: “Adrenaline will be carrying many health-care workers through this pandemic and help them to cope despite the exhaustion and tragedy they experience daily.
“The government and private health-care providers should be actively planning now for this time. A range of support will be needed. Some will experience grief or moral injury, some may have unresolved anger over issues such as personal protective equipment supply, or distress and fear of reprisal at being unable to treat patients with non Covid-19 conditions.
“Mental wellbeing is not just a challenge to be met by the government. Hospitals and professional societies have a part to play.