COVID-19; New world challenges & being stakeholders
March 2020 has been a month of uncertainties for everyone. Nevertheless, we wish & hope you and your loved ones are safe during this unusual period.
March 2020 has been a month of uncertainties for everyone. Nevertheless, we wish & hope you and your loved ones are safe during this unusual period.
Initially
witnessed as a disease spread in one corner of the world soon spread into
nations across the geographies. As on 11-Apr-20 the death tolls above 100K with
a global mortality rate of 3.4% and high fatality rates in effected countries.
It’s
been a lifetime situation for everyone, never experienced or least expected in the
present era. World around us has been changing unexpectedly including the way
we interact & maintain social distancing for the purpose of mutual safety.
Lockdown
been a term in articles & news for many until it prevailed worldwide. Restrictions
imposed & compelled to be in the unfamiliar ways of living.
Being
part of Healthcare, employees had to rise up to the expectations of public
& governments.
This
privilege of being associated with healthcare comes with a greater
responsibility of being adaptable to varying life situations witnessed during
this current outbreak of COVID-19.
PPEs
are made available to large volume of staffs & stock replenishments were done
ahead forecasting critical requirements. Screening desks been activated, social
distancing is practiced in lobbies, elevators, OPDs & staff cafeterias.
Committees
were formed, regular analysis and evaluations were done to adopt measures that improvises
latest protocols in line with health authority guidelines. Regular
email updates are circulated for awareness and compliances.
Safety
precaution campaigns with awareness videos were released with etiquettes to
follow. Usage of masks & hand hygiene measures were mandated across. More
hand sanitizers were made available in addition to the wall mounted dispensers.
Biometric
systems withdrawn & virtual attendance systems enabled. Trainings &
CME/CNE programs postponed.
Regular
deep cleaning & disinfection of workstations, elevators and common areas
were introduced. Service frequency of air conditioning systems were increased.
Annual
leaves outside country were cancelled. Temporary accommodations been provided
to staff with any critical situations. Health of staff re-joining are screened
through ER.
The
most bothering concern amid this challenging situation is the spread of fake
news through social media. Few are just on toes to forward whatever they
receive. The consequences of fake news are similar to the effects of widespread
virus itself. The incorrect data shared is circulated in multitudes across
groups locally & internationally; this creates more panic, hatred, distrust
& more damages beyond the alarming situation & crisis.
We
all try hard not to be infected & stay away from known potential sources.
But the wide spread has taught us otherwise; It’s also spread through many
unknowing touch points which come across in our routines.
Quoting
a scenario which can relate the scarcity of healthcare resources across continents.
The physician ratio in African countries had been 1:10k (source; world economic forum)
For
those at home, more time with family & kids … it’s a revival period,
payback of quality time.
Health
being all our wealth, we need to safeguard it at it’s optimum.
What’s most important for Healthcare workers is that they are fighting on for
you, for your family, for the country! They do know however; that they are determined
to overcome this challenge! ”
A
whole hearted smile, a word of thankyou, a prayer of gratitude for keeping all of
us safe in this crisis situation matters a lot for them to be satisfied for the
care they have dedicated and to go an extra mile for the sake of humanity.
