As the country is still struggling with a high number of covid cases, our frontline workers are working dedicatedly, putting their physical and mental well being at risk. Taking care of Covid-19 patients has made the frontline workers vulnerable to the virus and their health is always at risk.
Dr Pradeish, 26, MBBS graduate from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is presently working for the Vijaya Group of hospitals as a duty medical officer. He was raised in Chennai and lives with his family members and his pets. He said, "It’s been my childhood ambition to be a doctor and I made sure I worked for it. Yes, I had hiccups here and there but I was constantly backed and supported by my family, from the eldest to youngest here. Whatever I’m today and whatever I’m gonna be after sometime, I owe that to each and everyone in my family. I’m nothing without them."
He later added " As a post MBBS graduate, I fall under the category ‘Junior Doctor’. We are called by different names, DMO; RMO; JR and so on. The nature of my work is to work around senior doctors, consultants and other healthcare workers and help them in carrying out their orders and learn in that process. We belong to a profession where we constantly need to learn and update since that’s how the healthcare industry will evolve. I have at least 6 years of studies left in medicine, 3 years for my specialty & 3 for my super-specialty. I have worked smart rather than hard to reach where I’m today and that will be pretty much the same in future as well. I’ve had my share of struggles and obstacles and I still do but I consider them as experiences that make me a better person and a better doctor. This is what I signed up for and I am not complaining.
All that takes to be a doctor is years of consistency, perseverance and patience as you approach your goal. It’s ok to deviate or distract in the middle but you must not forget your destination".
Later he said that they came to know about this virus last year in February when they started heeding about the covid infection. He said, "At the outset just like the common people, little did I know about the pandemic. We started receiving cases and the hospital was slowly getting ready for the general public. We were getting oriented to the COVID-19 under the guidance of senior consultants. My journey with the pandemic began there".
He added, "The most dreadful event that I saw during this COVID first wave was the death of a renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Simon Hercules, from Chennai. It breaks my heart how doctors are sometimes treated with disrespect. We place everyone, mainly the patient above us, on any day. Not just me but every healthcare worker for that matter. I’d like to share a personal experience that’s related to the above statement. During the verge of my shift in the ER, a patient went into cardiac arrest and we had to start resuscitation measures. I had already doffed myself off from the PPE kit, I didn’t know if he was
COVID positive or not. Without a second thought, I joined my team and started treating the patient. Later we came to know he was COVID positive. However, with blessings of the almighty, my family’s prayers, I remained unaffected".
He said that he has seen many young people dying due to this dreadful virus but all because of mistakes that people tend to make by not following the general guidelines.
He added, "Concerning the second wave, I see a lot of young individuals dying, certainly not due to lack of any resource or infrastructure or government but due to lack of self-discipline among the common people. Before blaming people who are doing so much during this pandemic, ask yourself,” What have I done for the welfare of others in this pandemic?” What breaks my heart is the loss of two female patients in their mid 30’s. One was pregnant and the other was the mother of an 11-year-old. It’s been like 3 days since this happened and I must admit I’m still not over the loss of both of them. The second wave has certainly only tested the mental stability of health care workers all over the world. It’s indeed frustrating and depressing to accept reality and move forward".
They hardly get time for themselves and their families. Pradiesh said that during their shift hours they try to give their 200 percent, and when they are not working, they are either trying to reach out to the vulnerable or help people in need to the best of their capacities. He said "I am extremely proud of all the frontline workers who just don’t operate from the bird’s eye view but who are on the field helping the people without any expectations.
He added, "I haven’t contracted the virus yet and I hope I don’t in the future as well as I take all precautions I’m supposed to keep myself and others around me safe. At work, I ensure I properly wear my PPE and sanitise my hands often. When I’m back home, the first thing I do is bathe and isolate myself at home and maintain distance. I ensure hygiene is maintained at all levels. I have taken both doses of vaccine make sure follow all the existing and newer guidelines.’’
My message to the general public is -
- Wear a mask every time you step out of your home.
- Maintain social distancing & avoid social gathering and unnecessary travel.
- Eat healthily and keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not panic if you are sick. Consult a doctor and do not be your own doctor. Also do not rush to the hospital to get a bed unless you absolutely need to.
- Practise pranayama (breathing exercise)
- Do steam inhalation and salt water gargling at least twice a day.
- Do not forward information unless it’s verified or authentic.
Do what you have to do and also let the healthcare professionals, front-liners, scientists & government do their jobs. We’re already overworked.
Last but not least, go and get yourself vaccinated at the earliest.
