An unexplainable virus ... a doctor’s testimony, in the 82nd, is fighting Corona on the front lines
María Bogueva and a warrior's rest
picture
Maria Bogueva was planning to put her white robe in her closet after many years of medical work .. But one year after the start of the pandemic, the only epidemiologist in the Bulgarian city hospital of Dubnica is still fully functional despite her 82 years of age and "horror" from the virus.
"I don't feel that I am at this age," the energetic doctor told Agence France-Presse.
I still want to work.
"If I feel that I am no longer useful, I will withdraw."
She acknowledged that there is an "unexplainable" thing about this virus, noting that "any other epidemic fades away after a few months," but this time there is "no apparent end" to the pandemic.
With her hair dyed red and the jewelry that adorns her, the doctor seems to be concerned with her appearance despite "everyday stress".
She smiles, saying, "If I work in the hospital, that does not mean that I have to neglect myself."
Bulgaria, the poorest country in the European Union, suffers from a severe shortage of healthcare workers as the youngest migrate to the West in search of better job prospects.
Consequently, Maria Bogueva has no choice but to continue caring for COVID-19 patients at the government care center in Dubnica, 60 kilometers from the capital, Sofia.
Simply put, it was "not possible" for her, she says, to stay indifferent at home while she is "in good health", and while "patients need more than ever" for her knowledge and experience.
"Can I let people die?" She explains.
The hospital will not have an epidemiologist in the midst of a health crisis. ”
In fact, many other physicians who are past retirement age continue to practice, often because their pension is not enough for them, but its 80 years make it an exception.
While her colleague, who is 15 years her junior, preferred to stop working after the first wave of Covid-19, Maria was not afraid even though many Bulgarian doctors lost their lives due to the epidemic, and despite being from a group considered at risk due to her age.
With simple fittings, including a medical mask and a blue protective robe, she barricades herself when in action.
However, the administration is keen to "spare" it exposure to danger.
The dean of age at the hospital explains that his officials prevent her from “approaching patients,” and then she is satisfied with determining the appropriate treatment for the patient based on his data that the rest of the team members collect.
She reassures: "I probably have normal immunity, as I have treated many patients in my life."
And if she's comforted that there are only six patients in the hospital right now, she knows that this period of calm will not last.
She does not rule out another wave associated with mutated versions of the Coronavirus, but she confirms, saying "Well, in this case we will fight."
Follow our latest local and sports news, and the latest political and economic developments via Google news