PANJIM: “I was never asked by my family not to join COVID-19 duty. Initially, they were a little scared, but then realised that it is my duty to serve the people, to take care of the people. Since they too have a family, thinking of all this, my parents always supported me and they are doing it even today,” a staff nurse on COVID duty and seeking anonymity, said.
The young woman, also said that the doctors, nurses, frontline workers, deployed at the COVID hospital, GMC or in quarantine centres, are doing their job from the heart with all support from their families. “We all need to be united to fight this deadly virus, though there are not many cases in Goa, we still need to stand strong.”
Doctors, nurses, paramedics are working round-the-clock in Goa’s fight against the novel coronavirus. And, they’re doing so making immense sacrifices on the personal front. Though fear looms large, considering that large number of doctors, on COVID-19 across the world have got infected, these medical professionals, are giving their best to the patients.
“Our families are our biggest strength. Because of their support, we are able to do our job with no worry. When we go home, even then they encourage us, this is all that we need,” the nurse said, with a heavy voice, over the phone.
Goa reported its first three positive cases on March 25. One amongst them, has recovered and is in quarantine as per the protocol. The State has at present six positive cases, while over 130 suspects were placed under isolation at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), since January 29.
Speaking to Herald, GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar said that nearly 100 doctors and 150 nurses, apart from 250 other workers, are on COVID duty at the ESI Hospital and GMC. Some frontline workers are also placed in quarantine centres.
“We did not post anyone on COVID duty against their wishes. We assigned work and everyone accepted it,” Bandekar said, adding that the government is ensuring the safety and security of all those on duty to fight coronavirus.
Bandekar explained that those on duty at the COVID hospital, that is around 22 doctors and nurses, work on rotation with 15 days duty. “Post their duty, they are screened and sent home, where they have to isolate themselves,” he said.
“These doctors and nurses are given full protection gear since they deal with positive patients. Their safety is our topmost priority,” the Dean said.
In case of those on duty at GMC or at quarantine centres, they have no chance of transmission, he said, adding that proper screening before discharging them off duty is undertaken. “We follow all the guidelines stipulated by the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare and World Health Organisation,” he said.
