While media has the job of upholding the democracy and reporting from the ground even amidst lethal circumstances, there are still ethics and rules that binds journalists while covering sensitive matters.
Recently, Journalist Barkha Dutt reported from inside the ICU of HBS hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, where Covid-19 patients are receiving treatment. This has shocked people across the country who are calling this style of reportage 'insensitive' and 'unethical'.
Some people on social media even raised a question about why a journalist was permitted to enter the ICU. When families are not allowed to enter ICUs to meet their Covid-infected relative, why was a journalist allowed to enter the premise?
One Twitter user wrote, "Why was Barkha Dutt allowed inside the ICU ? When some hospitals don't even allow family members in the ICU. Can they guarantee she herself was not carrying any virus for spreading ? She is the same person who ws carrying satellite phn during Kargil. Proper investigation required."
Another asked, "Ma was in non-covid ICU in Dec20,May21 post her surgeries.Both times I saw the attendants being allowed in the ICU just ONCE with the Doc & that too,for 2 min MAX.See ur patient frm a distance & QUIETLY walk out without disturbng anyone.Permission to Shoot there?Unbelievable!!"
Here's how people are reacting. Have a look.
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