Meet Isma Qadri ,ray of hope for helping people fight COVID-19 pandemic in remote areas of Kashmir

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag,06 June: There are  countless  stories of people who have taken corona virus head-on in their effort to save human lives.  Syed Isma Qadri (FMPHW) is among such people ,who has vaccinated about 9000 people in block Verinag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag District.

” We all have to do whatever is in our power to save mankind from one of the worst disasters in modern history,  PHC Verinag  is my second home, and I am proud that I am among the soldiers fighting the war against  this pandemic”,says Qadri, a nurse.

Syed Isma Qadri, a mother of a baby hails from Bijbehara area of south kashmir’s Anantnag District, Qadri was appointed as Female Multipurpose Health Worker(FMPHW )in Marhama PHC in 2018 , and later  transferred to Verinag PHC in 2019.

Talking to Arising state Syed Isma Qadri said that  COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented  strain on her mental health.

Qadri said that she has convinced at least 3000 people in far flung areas by creating awareness  about Covid vaccination . She said that initially when her team went to the far flung area of verinag block to vaccinate  people, they  were reluctant to get covid jab .”However, we were successful in  removing hesitancy towards the vaccines among people .We all have to do whatever is in our power to save mankind from one of the worst disasters in modern history ,and thankfully we were successful in convincing people ,” she said.

PHC Verinag employees are all in praise for Qadri, they said that Isma Qadri has worked day and night  during this pandemic.  Qadri said that after the launch of Vaccination programme in January this year, she was assigned the job of a vaccinator, both at the Hospital and in the field. She has vaccinated nearly  9000 persons, including frontline workers ,so far. Isma has also been assigned with the job of a verifier and  a vaccine incharge in PHC verinag.

Qadri added that she wants to vaccinate maximum people to get them rid of  this disease .Qadri has vaccinated  highest number of people in District Anantnag ,after  Shabina Kausar , who has vaccinated about 8ooo people  in District Anantnag.

Qadri did her training in the Female Multi-Purpose Health Worker programme (FMPHW) and joined  Health Department in 2018.

Qadri’s marathon day starts at 9:30 in the morning and usually stretches to 7:00 in the evening. Qadri reaches  far-flung areas with her team by foot to vaccinate  people and aware them about the SOP’S and the vaccination. Qadri  not only works on these assignments, but she also runs an EVIN portal without any training from the department.

The Army unit of 19 RR in Verinag area has recently awarded Qadri for her hard work and being front line warrior .

Despite working in constant bio threat zones, there are several healthcare workers like Qadri who are doing commendable jobs and showing remarkable grit and professional dedication during this pandemic.

Meanwhile, the block has vaccinated about 22210 above 45 age till date.

Talking to Arising state Deputy CMO Anantnag ,Dr M.Y Zagoo said that these front line workers are doing their work with zeal and zest and they are reaching  far flung areas to vaccinate  people. ”We are proud of these frontline workers ,who are doing their job well”. Dr Zagoo said that the vaccination programme is under process in District Anantnag and we have vaccinated till date 2 lac 18 thousand four hundred forty three. The vaccination programme is going under the supervision of District Administration Anantnag, he said. Added that we appreciate all  health care workers who are doing commendable  during this pandemic.