The session focussed on present situation of COVID-19, attacks on healthcare professionals, possible healthcare outcomes after lockdown is lifted
The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) recently conducted an online media advocacy programme in association with the Confederation of Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania (CMAAO). Organised on April 22, 2020, the session focussed on the present situation of COVID-19, attacks on healthcare professionals, and possible healthcare outcomes after the lockdown is lifted.
The session was chaired by Dr KK Aggarwal, President, CMAAO and the panellists included leading healthcare stakeholders. Medtalks was the supporting partner.
The panellists included Dr Narottam Puri, Advisor Medical Operations and Chairman Fortis Medical Council, Delhi; Dr AK Agarwal, Ex Dean, MAMC; Dr Mahesh Verma, VC, IP University, Ex Director MAIDS Government of Delhi; Dr Suneela Garg Dir, Professor, MAMC, National President Elect IAPSM; Dr Girdhar Gyani, DG AHPI; Dr Atul M Kochar, CEO, NABH; Dr TS Jain, Consultant Pediatrician, Max Smart City Hospital, Ex MS; Dr Bejon Misra, Founder Patient Safety and Access, Consumer Online Foundation; Dr Anita Arora, Director Medical Operations, Fortis Healthcare; Upasana Arora, Director, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital; Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare; Dr KK Kalra, Ex CEO NABH, Director HCFI; Dr Arvind Lal, Managing Director, Dr Lal Path Labs; Dr Alok Roy, Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals and Chairman FICCI Health Services.
Speaking about this Dr Aggarwal said, “With so much information around COVID-19, there is a need to communicate the right things to both the media and the common public. This can go a long way in dispelling myths around the condition and therefore, fear. This advocacy programme was an initiative in that direction and addressed key concerns including the violence against the medical fraternity in these difficult times. Some other highlights were how tele consultations are likely to become the norm going forward and that self-regulation on the part of every individual will be key in fighting similar infections.”
Dr Aggarwal also added, “Medical workers have been attacked amidst the Corona crisis and the situation is particularly bad in India. Given this, government has brought in an ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act making attacks on doctors, paramedic staff and ASHA workers a non-bailable offence under punishable up to seven years in prison and fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. This is an extremely encouraging move given how all these people are frontline warriors in the fight against this pandemic.”
Expressing his concern about the situation of the private healthcare sector, Dr Puri said, “This is a very tough phase for the sector with inadequate and derogatory media coverage. There is a high degree of discrimination and violence against doctors which must be highlighted. We are also in a state of infodemic where some doctors themselves are confused with the huge influx of information. Many people are misquoting and giving wrong information in the media which adds to the confusion. Then there are also the Covidiots who misbehave in public, without paying heed to advice from doctors and authorities. All these things must be addressed urgently.”
Talking about the future scenario, Dr Kochar added, “After the extension of the lockdown, a new normal has come into play. We have resumed work but are also exploring new ways to initiate virtual assessment, keeping in mind the safety and protection of the patients as well as the doctors and hospital staff. We are now creating a comprehensive document with the help of IMA, public and other stakeholders. This will be a Pan-India guideline which will boost the way the doctors are dealing with their work conditions. We are also following up with the National Building Board to get guidance for specific pandemic-oriented hospitals. Focussing on the interests of patients, attendants, health providers and staff, we are targeting to standardise processes in terms of quality and hygiene not just for current pandemic but all future scenarios.”
The session highlighted how there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with COVID-19. Every state must take from best practices and tailor them to suit their preferences accordingly. Giving his views, Dr Budhiraja said, “We have observed that about 5 per cent of all the COVID-19 cases are critical. Asymptomatic patients are a concern. The challenge is to decide when or whom to put on ventilator. The condition of patients deteriorates very quickly and there is often not enough time to transfer them to a ventilator. The rate of secondary infections is also high. While the focus so far has been on ventilator and respiration, it is gradually shifting to the heart and brain. The tight prognostication is very important. Sudden deaths may occur unexpectedly in some patients. The public should know this.”
The session also addressed aspects of COVID-19 including duration of the lockdown, precautionary measures to be taken once normal routine resumes, treatment for the condition, risk factors of getting the infection in various categories of people, etc.