Among all the grim news of increasing coronavirus cases in the country, deaths of patients, harassment of frontline defenders by the community and the police and the most marginalized being left to their own devices, rays of hope and positive news is slowly emerging.
The 21-day lockdown in India has impacted many physically, mentally and emotionally – the elderly, the children, the frontline defenders, labourers and everyone in between.
Patients afflicted with other ailments cannot seek medical aid and for some, social distancing has come along with a feeling of isolation, loneliness, fear and desperation.
However, to aid all those who are facing difficulties in accessing medical or psychological help, efforts by different organizations are coming to the rescue.
In Chandigarh, the Department of Telemedicine at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), a tele-consultation service has been started for registered outdoor patients, reported The Tribune India.
The tele-consultations will be provided by several departments — internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, otolaryngology (ENT), neurology and hepatology. Two consultants will work from 10 AM to 1 PM and using the helping the patients will have to register themselves for consultations from 9 AM to 10 AM.
The West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBPCR) has launched a helpline through which psychiatrists and pediatricians can provide consultation to children who are a greater risk of depression due to being locked down at home, reported Jagran Josh.
In Ranchi, The Telegraph India reported, the district administration had opened a mental health helpline for those feeling sad, anxious or nervous due to the novel coronavirus. Functioning between noon and 5 PM, the callers mostly had anxiety related queries with most wanting to know if a slight cold or cough could mean they had the coronavirus, said a counsellor who was one of those receiving at least 35-40 calls a day.
Karnataka has begun mental health counseling for persons who have tested positive for Covid-19. Dr. K Sudhakar, Medical Education Minister told Hindu BusinesLine, “Mental health counselling is being done for all Covid-19 positive cases and passengers who are on home quarantine. Till yesterday, 537 counselling sessions have been held.”
In Kerala, pulmonologists offered tele-medicine consultation for those with lung ailments in all districts. PS Shajahan and Kurien Oommen, President and Vice President of the Academy of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, respectively, told The Hindu that patients could contact doctors designated by the academy in each district online or over the phone for medical advice and prescription round-the-clock.
In Kerala, under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), people in isolation and quarantine are provided counseling and psychosocial support and enhance motivation. DISHA, a 24×7 helpline number is used by professional social workers and counselors to handle queries related to home quarantine and travel.
In Kolkata too, AMRI Hospitals set up five digital platforms for consultations – a helpline number, email, Skype, FB Messenger and WhatsApp for patients who don’t have Covid-19 symptoms in a bid to help them get advice at home, rather than going out and risking their lives.
An initiative for video consultation has also been taken up by RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences. The Medica Superspecialty Hospital too has started using a helpline number for long-distance advise and counselling.
Healthtech startup Practo, is also helping patients connect with doctors via calls, messages and video calling to ensure that those confined to their homes can get proper medical attention and clarify all their doubts.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has begun a 24×7 crisis counseling helpline too, supporting people facing emotional distress in the light of the pandemic.
To tackle stress and anxiety of employees and their family members brought on by the work from home reality and the effects of social distancing, multinational companies like Microsoft, P&G, Deloitte have roped in counselors and psychiatrists to help their employees address emotional issues rising at this time.
Many online counseling platforms like YourDost, Mfine, Wysa, etc too have urged people to contact them if they feel the need to do so.
The Coronavirus pandemic has not just affected people’s physical health, but it has also hit their mental wellness. Living in fear, isolation, anxiety and stress, especially with no access to basic utilities, has negatively impacted people’s emotional wellness. At such a time, it is heartening to see that state governments, along with private practitioners – be it doctors or psychologists, have thought of alternative avenues that people can avail to address their grievances and stay healthy.
Related:
Covid-19 Lockdown: Migrant workers begin to leave city in a painfully long walk home
Covid-19 stigma: Medical professionals ostracized and evicted from rented homes
Covid-19: Cops beat up bank employee, delivery boys and even a fire fighter!