PANJIM: In a five-and-a-half-minute long video message, Dr Oscar Rebello urged people to follow COVID SOPs, not to gather in large numbers, in order to save everyone in the State.
Sharing that this particular mutant strain prevailing in the State is dangerous, Dr Rebello pointed out the physical and the emotional toll the situation has taken on doctors, nurses and health workers.
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“All of us doctors, all the nurses, all the healthcare workers are completely exhausted. Not just physically, but I think we are emotionally and mentally, completely on the verge of a breakdown,” said Dr Rebello.
Giving a rare insight into the conditions of the patients, he lamented that despite every health professionals giving their best, including being given Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), the patient is still suffering from breathlessness.
He further added that he understands lockdown would crumble Goa’s economy; people need to earn their livelihood many small businessmen who are highly dependent on economic activity.
“Even I am not in favour of a complete brutal lockdown that happened, certainly not. Things like weddings. 15-days it can’t be postponed. Similarly with going to parties, casinos, zatras, religious festivals, political rallies etc. Can’t we postpone it by 15-20 days?” he continued. He hopes that by doing this the number of cases could be brought down.
He regrets, “In Goa, we are not getting the RT-PCR tests done for the tourists who are coming in. We are not screening anybody.” He further revealed that there is not enough oxygen and there are patients on trolleys at GMC, on the floor in government and private hospitals as the healthcare infrastructure is in dire state with no beds being available.
“Please do not assemble in large quantities for any reason in the next 15 days. Otherwise you’re going to lose a loved one,” said Dr Rebello.
