The rampage and killing continues and the society remains under severe trauma.

We feel, however, that in the all-pervading concern of trying to bring an end to the murderous attacks and of tending to the needs of the families and relatives of the victims, the efforts of one group of professionals also affected by the crime wave tend to be overlooked.

We refer here to the doctors and nurses and others working in hospitals where the sometimes mortally wounded victims of the criminals are taken for emergency treatment.

The pressure that has built up since last year on those in the hospitals directly involved in looking after the victims of the criminal gangs must be enormous.

Some feel that those who have to almost daily cope with the delicate job of trying to save lives and mend wounds from the murderous criminal attacks, may need some kind of counseling - just like those traumatised survivors of the rampages.

Those in the hospitals are mainly a group of hardworking, dedicated people, who in addition to their persevering tasks have to demonstrate utmost tolerance and patience, and of course carry the burdens of everyday life just like everyone else.

This group of doctors, nurses and all the other medical personnel would have been taxed night and day with the hundreds of emergencies that have arisen since the beginning of the crime wave.

And this is in addition to the normal medical emergencies they have to attend to.

Many do not appreciate the sacrifice and hardships medical personnel have to endure, especially when they are working at public health institutions.

In the context of Guyana, with all the constraints of a shortage of medical personnel and equipment and limited accommodation, the job of this group is even more tedious and burdensome.

On many occasions medical personnel are unjustifiably criticised, sometimes even verbally assaulted and abused.

This is most unfortunate and every effort should be made to avoid such injustice being meted out to these dedicated personnel who have to engage in desperate battles to save human lives almost every day.

Sometimes, it is good to sit back and try to imagine that while other sections of the society are out in the discos enjoying themselves, or having fun at the beach with their families, or just having a drink, this dedicated bunch is battling with their stethoscopes and surgical instruments at all hours of the days and nights, trying desperately to save a life.

And in the context of the current crime wave this is an extremely frequent scenario.

Have many have ever truly tried to picture how difficult life is for the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, especially in these trying times?

It is therefore incumbent upon society to give its commendations and show gratitude to this bunch for the tireless, enduring and selfless service they have been providing to the society.

It is a tendency in our society that we only see the negatives and as such fail to show our appreciation and gratitude for outstanding contributions that have been and are being made by individuals, professionals and organisations towards the upliftment of the country.

Many persons do not perform a job simply for the sake of material benefits and well being but because they want to make a contribution towards making their societies a better place.

Such persons should be encouraged and given all the support and recognition they deserve so that they will be inspired to continue along the path of service to society.