Shillong (Meghalaya),Apr 12: Front-line workers especially doctors, nurses and paramedics who are now the soldiers in the fight against COVID-19 are at great risk doing jobs under great stress.
These people on the ground whose untiring efforts in helping to contain an outbreak and are also the first to come in direct contact with the infected.
Dr R. S. Thangkhiew, Medical Director Super Care said that the hospital has appointed 20 junior doctors to combat the situation.
Dr Thangkhiew said that these doctors work in batches of five in one shift and another five get break, every eight hours.
“Doctors who are trained to handle COVID-19, are already staying in the hospital and they are on 24 hour emergency call.
Jacqueline Iawphniaw, Assistant Matron, Children’s Hospital said that just because one fears the virus one cannot stay at home.
“We have taken the oath that we will serve the sick in any situation,” she said.
She however urged the government to provide protective gears so that they feel safe when treated patients suspected on having COVID-19.
Dr D Das, MD of Children’s hospital while saying that the state is fortunate that there is no positive cases pointed out that in other places the ones coming into direct contact are only the health workers.
“We are so much in close contact with the patient lucky for us that we have not seen a positive case,” Dr Das said.
According to him, doctors, nurses and paramedics are risking themselves and are facing dangers. “So therefore we are taking extra precautions that our health workers are not affected in any way. We are trying to teach everyone the things are to be done in this hour of crisis,” Dr Das said.
Dr Evanshisha Nongsiang, of Children’s Hospital said that she loves her profession and the moment she enters the hospital she does not have the feel of COVID-19.
Dr Nongsiang said that in these times if they see a patient complaining of fever, cough they tend to have a suspicious mind.
“But for us we treat every patients with love and compassion without discrimination,” she added.
Dr SS Nongbri Surgeon Superintendent, Civil Hospital Shillong said that as doctors they have taken oath to serve the sick. He also said that in the Shillong Civil Hospital, everyone from the doctors to the fourth grade staff are ready to help the patients and they have been trained and counselled to handle the situation.
Dr Andreas Dkhar a senior doctor at Civil Hospital Shillong said that they understand that COVID-19 is contagious but they are fully geared up.
However, he expressed concerned that those who come in the hospital with symptoms of the virus hide their travel history.
“They should reveal their travel history to the doctors before they are treated so that those treating them can protect themselves in advance,” he said.
By Special arrangement with Highland Post
