Economic impact of Coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic on vascular surgeons in India

Introduction: Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected virtually everyone in every walk of life globally including all health-care services. The economic impact of such disruptions in vascular surgery services on vascular surgeons in India is unclear. This study aims to understand the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on vascular surgeons practicing in India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was created using Google Forms and circulated through E-mail and WhatsApp groups dedicated to vascular surgeons in practice and/or training in India and was available for 2 weeks. Only vascular surgeons who are currently practicing in India were eligible to participate in the study. Results: One hundred and eighty-four out of 400 (46%) members that are thought to be currently practicing or in training in India participated in the study. 98.91% completed all the questions. 90.2% (n = 166) of the respondents were aged below the retirement age of 60. Thirty-four worked in government job, 89 in private sector on salary basis, and 58 in private sector as fee for service. Seventy-one percent of the respondents (including trainees) reported a negative impact on their monthly income due to COVID-19 pandemic ranging from 10% to 90%. Seventy-six percent of the respondents believed that there will be a further negative impact in the coming few months. Sixty-nine percent claimed that they did not have alternative sources of income. 82.6% were not aware of measures to overcome such adverse economic impact and have not taken any preventive steps or measures. Conclusion: The results of the study show that COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative economic impact on majority of the vascular surgeons practicing in India resulting in a 50% or more reduction in their income. Skills and knowledge about financial resources, financial resilience, and risk management are needed to prevent or overcome future crisis.