Healthcare professionals are worrying about their families’ health besides their own — like the rest of us. They are wondering whether it’s safe to come home after disinfecting themselves or they should live in a separate floor or place. Some of them are only seeing their family through the window or video calling them, while others thoroughly scrub themselves in the shower before greeting their loved ones. Be it taking the right precautions at the workplace or maintaining a bit of judicious social distancing at home, these doctors are doing everything possible to keep their loved ones safe. All this while, giving utmost importance to treating patients and serving the nation in testing times.
Keeping myself busy with family: Dr Ishwar Gilada
The entire globe is affected by the pandemic. My family and I are neither alone nor immune to it. Once this understanding goes down well then keeping up is not difficult. I am busier than preCovid-19 times. My routine clinical work is on and I am additionally involved with the prevention, control and mitigation of Covid-19. With the daily analysis of global, national, state and local scenarios, sharing the same on social media and with mass media, webinars, meetings and discussion groups at the national and global level, I don’t know how these five months have passed. I never stopped or altered the daily routine, exercises or my duties. I virtually meet my extended family and friends. For almost four months we were together in lockdown, barring our professional duties. From having meals to fun-frolic and discussions on Covid-19 all around, we shared collective wisdom.
Dr Gilada is an infectious diseases expert and secretary general of Organised Medicine Academic Guild.
No better stress buster than to see people recover: Dr Nitin Bansal
Initially, the strange scenario felt like a burden. Learning to wear PPE was not an easy task and there was a lurking fear whether the PPE was working or not. There was still not much clarity on issues like how closely a patient can be examined or how much can one consult a patient. Now five months into the pandemic, I can wear a PPE within five minutes which used to take me 15-20 minutes before. We are at peace since many patients are recovering in front of our eyes. There is no better stress buster than to see their health improving. Support from my family and the hospital has helped me maintain a sound balance. The fact that you are not alone and have a supporting infrastructure helps you overcome the challenges.
Dr Bansal is a consultant, infectious diseases at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Delhi.
Highly fulfilling to serve the nation at this time: Dr Shuchin Bajaj
Life has become an emergency drill. Being a doctor at a full-fledged Covid-19 hospital, my life revolves around emergencies. Though it’s highly fulfilling to serve your nation at this time of need, at times we also crave for a normal life. I go to the hospital and treat patients, then come home and scrub myself while taking a shower. The intensity is probably harder than ever. I diligently do it thrice a day to avoid putting my family’s life at stake. Like other parents, I worry for my children but try to hold my feelings and emotions inside. As doctors, we have been trained well to do that. I hope the pandemic will end soon.
Dr Bajaj is a consultant, internal medicine at Ujala Cygnus Orthocare Hospital, Delhi.
I believe in existing for a purpose: Dr Jayakanth MJ
I believe that everything has a purpose and my existence is to serve the current purpose that the world is struggling with. I exercise for a longer duration and consume more fruits and vegetables to feel light and energetic throughout the day. I used to be stressed about the pandemic earlier. But with the government’s awareness campaigns about Covid-19, I started seeing the change in terms of maintaining social distancing and following strict lockdown norms. It made me realise that we can conquer this disease. I plan my schedule a day prior, set goals and prioritise them. I take short breaks between work and energise myself by listening to music. I enjoy my weekend bike rides and recharge myself.
Dr Jayakanth is a consultant, internal medicine at Columbia Asia Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru.
Can’t allow fears to overpower our will: Dr Vijay Dutta
Duty at the hospital has become more challenging than pre-pandemic times as there are strict protocols to adhere to for our safety. This was never the case before as we used to always be concerned for patients’ safety. Wearing PPEs for long hours means no food or water or even restroom breaks but it’s necessary. The fear of contracting the infection exists but we cannot allow our fears to overpower our will. We are certainly worried about our families, especially those with elderly parents or toddlers at home. But understanding what our nature of work entails we support each other. Being around them does bring a sense of normalcy in our lives.
Dr Dutta is a consultant, internal medicine at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi.
Discipline is the key: Dr Amita Phadnis
Covid-19 has forced us to reorganise our lives, a proper structure and discipline are key, which we had to re-ensure in our lives. During this time, we found that meditation has been largely beneficial as it keeps us fit and maintains our mental resilience. I am mainly working from home as online consultations are the new thing. Making conscious efforts towards staying positive is helping me to strike a balance. In the evenings, I make virtual social engagements such as calling friends, organising online games or reviving lost connections.
Dr Phadnis is CMD and paediatrician & neonatologist at ONP Hospitals, Pune.
