AIIMS Bhopal prepared to tackle COVID-19 cases: Prof Dr Sarman Singh
   Date :18-Mar-2020

Dr Sarman Singh_1 &n
 
 
By Tara Chettur :
Even as no positive case of novel coronavirus has been reported in Madhya Pradesh but its fear has gripped heart of everyone. Many people have started to follow the precautionary methods through which fatal disease-which created havoc world-wide- could be avoided.
‘The Hitavada’ spoke to AIIMS, Bhopal, Director Professor Dr Sarman Singh and tried to know how one can protect himself from disease and what are the preparations to deal with this deadly disease. Here are the excerpts of his interview.
Q: What are the preparations done to tackle coronavirus scare by AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)?
A: AIIMS Bhopal has identified two-floor building of AYUSH exclusively for treatment coronavirus suspected cases. Screening facility will be done there and further treatment will be advised. About hundred chairs and bed facility has also been kept to tackle any kind of emergency situations. AIIMS Bhopal has geared up with preparations to tackle Corona suspected cases in State. AIIMS Bhopal lab began testing for coronavirus after it got Union Government certification on March 11 2020. Negative pressure isolation wards have also been made to tackle coronavirus cases. Negative room pressure is an isolation technique used in to prevent cross-contamination from room to room.
Q: How many cases of self-report have reached till AIIMS?
A: Till date only three cases have been reported under self-reporting to AIIMS Bhopal. Self-reporting is foremost important and for that awareness is needed. Any person with travel history to International destinations and any vulnerable areas in the country which is under coronavirus impact, needs to be careful. If any individual has fever and dry cough along with travel history to foreign destinations then he should report to the prescribed hospital where coronavirus screening can be done properly. In AIIMS, total six patients’ screening and testing for corona has been done and all test have been negative. There is no single suspected cases as of now.
Q: What is safest practice one should adopt to avoid coronavirus scare?
A: The best practice is to wash hands with soaps regularly after visiting outside. The next step is to avoid crowded areas at all cost. Public gathering and any kind of unnecessary travel to crowd places like bus stops and railway stations and airports should be avoided.
Q: What precautions one should take if there are signs of coronavirus?
A: First thing is there is no need to panic. The person should undergo self-quarantine of at least 14 days. Fever and breathlessness are the main symptoms which makes it different from common flu. He needs to be undergo proper screening and needs to follow quarantine guidelines effectively. Hospitals staff has been trained to deal with cases and community support can make a huge impact in solving any kind of corona scare. If there are any signs of coronavirus then crocin can be taken in emergency but self-medication and medicines like Ibuprofen and Aspirin should be avoided. The incubation period- between infection and showing any symptoms- lasts up to 14 days. That means many people who test negative at air and seaports may be carrying the infection and should be put to self quarantine at home if they have a travel history to friend countries.
Q: There has been a sudden rise in demand of sanitiser and masks due to corona scare? What is your opinion on this?
A: Children and senior citizens and people with poor immune system should wear masks at any public places to avoid any kind
of rush. Masks can be avoided for a healthy person who is coming in the age group 18-45. There is no need to wear mask at all areas as it is mainly for crowded areas like hospitals, railway stations and airports etc. Sanitiser is required only when someone is travelling or else washing with soap frequently is more than enough.
Q: What kind of challenges doctors are facing?
A: There is shortage of N 95 masks for doctors and general public are purchasing it without much knowledge. This situations needs attention as without proper masks doctors and health staff will not be able to assist coronavirus patient effectively and chances of spread would also increase.
Q: What are your suggestions for public during such health emergency to curb any kind of spread?
A: The only need is be alert and follow guidelines of authorised health experts. The public should be aware to ensure basic hygiene compliance especially in public areas. Rumours, myths and misconceptions spread through social media could also hurt an effective response to the infection. Any kind of rumours and fake news should be avoided as it creates unnecessary panic. As school and colleges have been declared leave the time should be spent well sitting at home. Unnecessary gathering and picnics in city parks should be totally avoided. Hospitals thoroughly prepared to handle any situation that could emerge and staff are alert, meticulous and conscious but community participation can only make the whole process of treatment effective in such epidemic.