Doctors, paramedics remain firm in the face of adversities.

LAHORE -- Being entombed in PPE suits for six hours is hard, fighting the fear of contracting COVID-19 tougher and not meeting children, spouses or parents for weeks the toughest. But that is what doctors have signed up for and that is what they do, say the doughty doctors and nurses at the hospitals.

The days of paramedics spin around the COVID-19 patients and a life around their families and the twain never meets. That is the maxim for the band of frontline warriors in the battle against the epidemic who go to odd extents to separate themselves from their loved ones and ensure the two halves that make up their world stay completely distinct.

Haris Butt and Zeeshan Murtaza, both medical officers serving in Corona Ward at a government facility, are among those who have been at the vanguard since the crisis began and remain steadfast in their commitment to their work and its many challenges. Both of them live with their families, but haven't met their loved ones for weeks. Both of the medics travel back to their houses after the rotation is finished, but they make sure that they isolate themselves from their families. They haven't been within touching distance of their kin since their COVID-19 duties started.

'Isolating ourselves from the family members is the most difficult part; the days are a test of our patience and will power. But the spirit of helping our patients keeps us motivated' thought Haris Butt. The parents and siblings of both the front liners have their own rooms and have been very sympathetic with them. ''Since the lockdown began, I devote most of the time to gardening at my home, close to my parents and wife's rooms, watch them go about their daily work and talk to them from window. It is tough, but it is an obligation,'' said Zeeshan.

Other doctors at the isolation centres have the same story to tell. Most doctors after their shift stay in a separate room in their homes and even don't dare to touch their children.

The night shift of doctors' ends at 6 am and just after reaching their homes after the shift, the front liners keep their scrubs for washing...