The May that was Black

Sanjay Bhasin
Unprepared or prepared, India entered exponential growth of COVID-19 positive cases in the last week of Feb. 2021 as second wave with Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat like states leading the tally with large number of deaths. Experts across the global predicted devastating second COVID-19 wave in India around March 2021 but every individual and group remained wary of the opinion/warning of experts, there was severe violation of the COVID appropriate behaviour guidelines issued by GoI and all State Governments. The month of May saw the peak of COVID-19 cases throughout India involving young, elderly, all religions, both sex, and even large number of Healthcare Professionals as well. As I suffered moderate COVID-19 along with my octogenarian mother and other family members on 19th April, after going through tough phase of 20 days but with positivity of mind all came out of the Pandemic crisis in the first week of May. Unlike my family, unfortunately May 2021 did not prove lucky for many individuals and families especially in Jammu Division and more so in Jammu District. In fact the month of May 2021 shall be remembered in the history of Jammu as Black May in the years and years to come. Whenever, COVID-19 Pandemic shall be discussed in future along its length and breadth, the pain, agony, helplessness all around shall be discussed vis a vis immaturity displayed from few corners for creating more panic during already uncontrolled panic situation. The false narratives and the confidence with which the lies were spread shall also be the topics of discussion. Administrative inertia and policy paralysis as depicted by the over vocal media may also find place in discussions. If some columnists and writers have made some notes of Black May, they will form source of references and shall add to the flavor to discussions. Following few issues shall be remembered for ever that happened in the month of Black May 2021.
Unbelievable deaths in spite of available resources: on the last day of May JKUT had 2,90,465 total registered COVID positive cases with 2,51,463 recoveries, 35095 still actively positive and 3907 total deaths since March 2020. This excludes COVID negative converted deaths and unregistered COVID deaths at home. The month of May alone contributed to 114276 cases (39.34% of the total in a single month since outbreak of the Pandemic 15 months back), 1624 deaths (41% of the total death as of now in a single month). The most worrying aspect was that 460 patients lost their life in the premier GMC Jammu and its Associated Hospitals, contributing 28% of total deaths in a month. Pertinently, the GMC Jammu was designated as Level-I care hospital for COVID-19 initially but ultimately it had to tackle both Level-I & II care with limited resources. Large number of families across the length and breadth of Jammu Division faced tough time and shall never forget this Black May of 2021. Large deaths in spite of claims of availability of all resources shall also go through scrutiny of the people of Jammu in the future discourse related to pandemic. The Black May ended with 35095 still active positive cases and scores of seriously ill patients either on High Flow Oxygen, BIPAP Machines or even Ventilators. Black May also made 493 children orphaned due to COVID-19 situation.
Journalism-The Negative Surpassed Positive: Although I am connected with journalism since 1991 and had been writing on professional, social and educational aspects since long yet I never saw Negative Journalism surpassing Positive one, the way it has surpassed since last September onwards in JKUT. Projections were good but suggestions were lacking, some took it as personal vendetta to target particular individuals or groups. The image of GMC Jammu and its Associated Hospitals was totally blemished. It was forgotten that over exaggerations and repetitions shall lead to loss of confidence of people in the premier institution that may not be regained immediately. In the absence of alternate better heath infrastructure, where people will go and if they come to the available institutions they shall remain doubtful of everything. Things were bad but not worst, and media should have balanced the things in the larger interest of the society and the Nobel profession.
Overstretched and dejected healthcare professionals: The experience of dealing with first wave of COVID-19 was stretched over 09 month from March 2020 to December 2020 and resources though limited were less taxed in view of positive cases and deaths spreading over 09 months. But sudden sharp rise in the Month of April and exponential peak in May taxed every healthcare professional and limited resources also got overstretched. 529 doctors and 853 paramedics were tested positive as per the official data from concerned quarters. GMC and its Associated Hospitals faced the maximum brunt. Less number of expert manpower in the concerned specialties not only overstretched resident doctors but also the faculty of non concerned specialties in GMC as well. Residents under overall supervision of the faculty members worked beyond their capacity bearing intolerable PPE kits hiding their agony, pain, helplessness, frustrations and trauma of losing patients listening cries of the attendants in and outside the COVID wards. Nurses, Paramedics, Class IV staff also went through same emotions. The fear of becoming positive and transmitting infection to elders and the children in the families loomed around these healthcare professionals further traumatizing their minds.
By the last week of Black May that was, a ray of hope for better management of COVID from June onward was seen when the the LG inaugurated 500 bedded DRDO COVID Care Hospital in Bhagwati Nagar. The LG needs appreciations for his personal efforts that could have been made by the directly concerned quarters in the month of Jan 2021 itself. In order to make it Centre of Excellence for COVID Care, it should be independent of GMC with respect to administrative and professional aspects are concerned. 10-15% beds for Pediatric population with BIPAP and Ventilators in GMC/SMGS as well as DRDO hospital. Good number of pediatrics beds in peripheral Medical College and District Hospitals. Qualified manpower at all levels should be recruited before hand and if not available get the existing and MOs trained immediately before the possible wave sets in. And GMC Jammu and its Associated Hospitals should purely be designated for Level-I care only so that the teaching institution do not collapse vis a vis imparting medical education and extending Non-COVID care
By foresight policy formulation and implementation at ground level to combat third wave of COVID-19, we can definitely do better to tackle the pandemic with a hope to limit the number of deaths. This may lighten if not erase few of the memories of Black May from the hearts and minds of Jammu people. Let us all work sensibly to avert the Third Wave in the larger interest of humanity.
(The author is Professor of Surgery/ GMC Jammu)

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