Pune: With fewer cases being reported and the number of daily deaths slowly decreasing, Pune continues to fight in controlling the pandemic.
Since the pandemic began, members of the medical fraternity have been at the forefront in the battle against Covid-19.
Puneinsight spoke to Dr. Salil Patil, from Dhanwantari Hospital who threw light on how the second wave has been and how the healthcare personnel have been working tirelessly since the pandemic began.
“The pandemic drastically changed everything literally. Due to a combination of fear of COVID patients in hospitals, a huge load of COVID patients in hospitals, and all healthcare personnel being involved in COVID care, non-COVID healthcare reduced considerably. People tend to neglect or suffer through illnesses rather than visiting a doctor. That’s a worrisome situation. We could be facing a lot more severe and uncontrolled health disorders in the near future,” Dr. Patil said.
“During the initial days, the main challenges were counselling and training of hospital staff and working out the best protocols to treat COVID patients. Rumours and theories were spreading like wildfire about the severity and spread OF COVID. Repeated discussions with colleagues and staff with training and counselling got us all through those days,” Dr. Patil informed.
Throwing light on how different the second wave has been, Dr. Patil said “The second wave is spreading much more rapidly than the first. Also, it seems to be more severe in its effects. We have noticed a sudden increase in patients with Mucor fungal infections. The positive note right now is that the rapid spread seems to be slowing.”
Sanitizers and masks have gained importance since the pandemic began. When asked whether this trend is here to stay post the pandemic, Dr. Patil was quick to say “I do advocate hand hygiene and the sanitizers do contribute. But, I hope the rampant and at times wasteful use of sanitizers is brought down to acceptable levels and masks are not essential for the general population in the near future.”
Speaking about the current challenges, Dr. Patil said “Availability of oxygen is the most serious challenge at present. This situation is improving, but not enough to be complacent. An intermittent shortage of medicines and vaccines is another obstacle. Abuse of social media is triggering panic and chaos in people. Misinformation on these platforms is rampant.”
When asked about inspirational moments, Dr. Patil was all praise for members of the fraternity. “We have heard of pregnant healthcare personnel pulling non-stop COVID duty, health workers staying away from their family, reporting to duty within hours of performing last rites of family members, patients beating all odds and going home breathing easily…there are so many inspirational stories witnessed every day, each one better than the earlier,” he said.
Giving advice to patients who have recovered and how to take care as the third wave awaits, Dr. Patil said “Follow isolation and treatment protocols, eat healthily, start pranayam and exercise as soon as possible and share your experiences to help other patients beat COVID. Do not panic. Get vaccinated. Stay healthy. Do not delay seeking medical attention when you feel unwell. Maintain social distancing.”
Highlighting the importance of vaccines, Dr. Patil said “Vaccines are our best defense against severe COVID infection. All eligible persons should get vaccinated as early as possible. For proper guidance, please talk to your doctor. Do not rely on Social Media and rumors/gossip for any credible information. Vaccination is each and every person’s contribution to stopping COVID.”
“All vaccines approved for use in India are effective and safe. If you want to stay safe, get vaccinated. For any doubts, consult your doctor. Do not believe any information on Social Media even if it’s from a person you trust. That person may have forwarded it without verification, even if it’s in good faith. Make your safety a priority,” Dr. Patil added.
Commenting on the current vaccine rollout, Dr. Patil said “Considering our population, vaccinating everyone will take time. I’m expecting the shortage of vaccines will be sorted out in a few weeks and all eligible population will get their turn soon enough. A two-pronged approach, through Government hospitals and private hospitals either free or paid, will be helpful to reach maximum people in a short period of time.”
“I expect paid vaccination drives to begin by next month. Planning for it will happen once we get a clearer picture of vaccine supply,” Dr. Patil informed.
“We are in a pandemic. It’s all over the world. Helping and supporting each other, avoiding misinformation and harassment of those in trouble, keeping our spirits up, and staying mentally and physically fit will get us through this, together,” Dr. Patil concluded.
