It was an absolutely necessary move; we have been advising the government to do this for the last month. People will have to understand that this will mean a separate room for themselves, a separate bathroom and if possible, a caretaker too. Care will have to be taken while disposing of their waste like gloves, masks etc. There were too many people unnecessarily occupying COVID care centres. I believe these centres should not even have doctors; they are needed where treatment is being given. However, I believe there will be a problem with people who live in slums. This is why I believe around 25% to 30% will go home for isolation at home. The rest will not be able to manage. Home isolation will be good for those because it will be in familiar conditions and they will also get the food they like. Psychologically it will be good for them. The family will also have to be quarantined but they will have to just follow the sops like wearing a mask and gloves and not spend more than five minutes with the person in isolation in his room. Yes, I have heard of cases of people behaving very badly with the person suspected of having the virus and with their family members. This can happen to anyone and they have to understand that this is no way to behave with anyone
-Shekar Salkar, Consultant Oncologist Manipal Hospital.
I believe if the person has a large home it will easy to be isolated. Yes, I believe the family will also have to be in isolation. I, however, foresee a problem with patients belonging to the poorer strata of society. It will be tough and hence I believe this move has to be initiated with discretion. Education of the general public will have to be initiated because people have behaved very poorly on occasions on learning there were people with the virus around them
-Dr Meenacshi Martins, Psychiatrist
I strongly agree with this move made by the government because it will help free up facilities and allow doctors to fight for the lives of patients battling the virus. They can stay at home in isolation but it will be very important to follow all the sops instituted by the government. Education is very important because people are fearful and don’t know all the details and this results in them behaving badly with those suspected of having the virus
– Dr Sunita Sawant, Ayurvedic Practitioner
Seeing the present situation, I think it was a very good move. There is a shortage of beds, it is easy to criticise but one has to look at the practicality of the situation. The private hospitals cannot manage the situation because it is bad and getting worse. The person will have to be isolated and the family will have to follow all the sops and stay in isolation too. The family cannot move for 14 days. The people in Goa are educated but they don’t seem to be listening to the authorities
– Dr Prakash S Prabhudesai, General Practitioner
I don’t think it is a bad idea if followed strictly. But the fear is it could get stuck in red tape because one will have to take permissions to initiate anything from taking the person home or back to the hospital. You have to remember there is a small difference between being symptomatic and asymptomatic. Self-isolation is good but the family has to take responsibility. People are panicky and this fear has been spread by the media and this has meant neighbours get panicky when they learn that someone is suspected of having the virus
– Dr Sunil Nadkarni, General Physician Radiance Diagnostics
There is no place in hospitals due to the virus and if it is handled properly the person can be free in 10-15days. The family should have to follow similar protocols. They should not mix with anyone. Fear is present in the air and education will help but it will take a while for people to understand the virus and stop behaving poorly with those suspected of having the virus
-Dr Asha Anilkumar Naik, General Practitioner
I would prefer this because it will mean less load on government infrastructure. They will not be unnecessarily taxed by asymptomatic patients. They will have to be vigilantly monitored by social groups in society like the Church, religious groups or even the Panchayat. People are paranoid and this has resulted in individuals being ostracized. The family will have to be in isolation and they will have to follow the sops. If they enter the room with the isolated patient they will have to wear the masks and the gloves and move out fast. Remember the virus is contagious. If you stay in the isolated area without the necessary gear in place for half an hour the possibility of contracting the virus increases dramatically
-Noel Britto, Medical Superintendent Healthway Hospitals
