Swedish Princess Sofia Turns Healthcare Worker Amidst COVID-19

In order to help her country fight the COVID-19, a Swedish princess has started working in one of the hospitals in her country. Princess Sofia is 35  years old and is helping the healthcare workers at the Sophiahemmet hospital. However, she is not a healthcare worker by profession. She went on to pursue a three-day medical course at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm in order to assist the healthcare workers. She is an honorary chair member at the Sophiahemmet Hospital.

Key Takeaways:

• The coronavirus infection has killed more than 1,000 people in Sweden and has infected more than 12,000 people
• Princess Sofia, Duchess of Varmland, took a three-day medical course at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm, where she is an honorary chair member. 
• She is married to Prince Carl Phillip. She was recently pictured at the hospital on 16 April wearing scrubs along with other staff.
• According to a report by WHO, titled The State of the World’s Nursing 2020, there are just 28 million nurses on the planet right now and the world needs at least six million more nurses

Also Read: These Corona Warriors Inspire Us To Be Better In Challenging Times

Medical Training To Ease The Burden On Medics

The Sophiahemmet University in Stockholm found an amazing way to ease the burden on medics. They are helping to train 80 people per week to be deployed to hospitals and ease the burden on medics. In fact, this is where the Swedish Princess took a three-day medical course when she thought of volunteering for the healthcare system during the coronavirus crisis.

"In the crisis, we find ourselves in, the Princess wants to get involved and make a contribution as a voluntary worker to relieve the large workload of health care professionals," read a statement from the royal court.

Who Is Princess Sofia?

Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland, is a member of the Swedish Royal family. She was a glamor model and reality TV contestant before she married Prince Carl Phillip in 2015. They have  two sons, Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel, who are fifth and sixth in the line of succession to Swedish Throne. After three day-long intensive online training, she is now able to assist the healthcare workers. On her first day of work on 16th March, she was photographed at the hospital.

Also Read: 89 Mn Masks, 30 Mn Gowns Needed For Healthcare Workers Per Month

The World Is Running Short Of Nurses

The COVID-19 pandemic came as a jolt to the entire world. Among the many realizations, the pandemic has also highlighted that we are understaffed on the medical front. According to a report by WHO, titled The State of the World’s Nursing 2020, there are just 28 million nurses on the planet right now and the world needs at least six million more nurses. “Nurses are the backbone of any health system. Today, many nurses find themselves on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This report is a stark reminder of the unique role they play, and a wakeup call to ensure they get the support they need to keep the world healthy,” he added.

Picture Credit- Glamour

Also Read: Discrimination Against Doctors: Why Has COVID-19 Turned Us Hostile?