It is not a great time to be a medical professional. If Covid 19 was bad enough now with the onset of the monsoons, diseases like Dengue are now in Goa.The situation is not helped by the fact that the number of beds in the state are totally inadequate to deal with the challenges. But what about those who have ecidting diseases and need cobstant treatments like dialysis and chemo therapy and others who need hospitalisation. And are hidden costs on the rise? It is a difficult time for everyone. The hospitals have invested in the latest equipment for the benefit of the patient and eventually he or she will have to bear the cost. Malaria, Dengue is now everywhere and the public sector is focussed on battling the virus.The onus is on the private sector and the cost of trained manpower is high. So, the charges will be high. I strongly believe the government should cover diseases like this also in the Deen Dayal Scheme at least for two years. I am aware the pricing in hospitals in places like Mumbai and Delhi is ridiculous. Over there, so many doctors have died. Let us see how it all turns out in fifteen days in Goa.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, Manipal Hospital
I am aware it is a very difficult problem because of two reasons. There is a scarcity of beds yes and patients are themselves fighting shy of entering hospital be it either public or private for fear of coming in contact with a patient tested positive for Covid 19. We can never rely on the reports. Patients will have a very guarded attitude. In public hospitals people who cannot afford the high rates in the private sector will check themselves in. You also have to understand that if one patient is tested positive in the hospital then news spreads. With regards to cases like malaria and other seasonal diseases they will I suppose prefer to be offsite patients ie meaning taking treatment at home following instructions from their doctors. However with patients battling cancer and in need of chemotherapy, it will be difficult and if they can afford it they will have to check into a facility which has increased their rates. The cost of procedures like dialysis will increase because the numbers of tests and medical procedures have increased. It is a sad state of affairs. The monsoon season will be a big test for all of us.
Dr Francisco Colaco, Holy Spirit Hopital and Nursing Home
To add to monsoon diseases we will also see rise in accident cases. I wouldn’t agree to saying all doctors are focusing only towards CCIVID – because other multi-specialty hospitals and consultants are available as they were before. Yes – government infrastructure is more engaged in this. And cost of treatment is definitely increasing – but this can be set-off by adequate insurance. Awareness about every family members insurance should be done. Government of Goa has a good scheme. For those who are not eligible for Deen Dayal scheme – their employers should ensure cover through private insurers. Government should also look at creating an immediate emergency infrastructure like one that was done abroad within 10-12 days. This will help solve problems of beds and other infrastructure.
Archana Shah, Consultant – General Insurance, Dona Paula
I am not really an expert in this but I think that at this eleventh hour, there’s not much that the government can do to make any drastic changes in the health system other than converting more hospitals into covid units. Besides, as a citizen, we have a lot of responsibility to not let the disease spread by strictly adhering to the medical guidelines on sanitary measures and social distancing.
Dr. Priyanka Sahasrabhojanee, Consultant Psychiatrist, Porvorim
The government should be prepared to convert stadiums, schools and colleges under its purview to make shift hospitals to accommodate covid cases with select dedicated medical teams, so that the hospitals are not flooded with the same, and the general public at large could avail medical services or emergencies as needed.
Diana Braganza, Alpha Aqua Pools & Spa’s, Ribandar
It is not only because of COVID but since the monsoons have set in we need to be cautious and maintain proper hygiene , take nutritional diet and exercise ,proper sanitization and Positive attitude and try to keep ourselves as much fit and healthy as possible.This will lessen the load on our already burdened medical facilities.
Gauri Borkar, Architect, Margao
