Pune: Determination and love towards profession are the right words to describe Dr Sangita Bharati, who has been working tirelessly for many days now. A part of the BJS-Force Motors’ Mobile Dispensary Seva mobile unit, Dr Sangita said, “Fear is always there. But our duty is also important, especially during such pandemic when people need us the most.”
“Being a doctor, I practise what I preach and take every precaution to be fit and healthy to perform my duty sincerely,” she mentioned.
Dr Sangita has been visiting different parts of Pune since the past few weeks and is screening people for the COVID-19 infection.
When asked about what she does when she finds a person with flu-related symptoms but which are not COVID-19? Sangita says, “I prescribe medicines to the person with the rider (advice) of not to panic. I also tell them to follow simple basic hygiene.”
Apart from the medical staff of government hospitals, many private practitioners and NGOs are contributing to the fight against the coronavirus. They help the civic authorities trace corona positive patients by screening people and referring suspected patients to civic and government hospitals and COVID-19 care centres.
What are the challenges?
The main challenge for these corona warriors is to identify the suspected cases as symptoms of common flu such as fever, cough, cold, body ache, running nose etc. are mostly similar to those of COVID-19.
“We screen these patients. Get their history noted and give them basic treatment and if required, advise them for seven-day self-quarantine. We also do a follow-up of such cases. We educate them on preventive measures to be taken against the infection and personal hygiene such as drinking hot water, frequent hand washing, using a mask, sanitisers and physical distancing. If someone is found with high fever or other prominent symptoms, we shift the person to the hospital for further testing and isolation,” said Dr Sangita.
When asked if she has ever faced any resistance from people, she said, “Puneites are very cultured and show respect for the medical fraternity. Though during a couple of visits, we had to convince people that the whole exercise was for their good and they should not be shy or hesitate to come forward for the test. The test would help in early diagnosis and treatment and would minimise the chances of infecting others.”
However, in some community areas, she had to face the ire of inhabitants. “In some areas, people were not allowing the mobile dispensary to enter. After pleading with them and explaining to them the importance of screening, they allowed me to perform my duty,” Dr Sangita mentioned.
Advice to people
Dr Sangita said, “One has to follow self-discipline to fight COVID-19. All efforts to contain the spread of disease will go to waste if people do not support the government machinery and medical and health-care professionals. People should strictly adhere to lockdown norms and step out of their homes only if necessary.”
