How much damage and in what dimensions, outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused shall start unfolding gradually which by all calculations, shall be as disappointing as the absence of a definite timeline by which any of the effects, even residual, shall not resurrect can be guaranteed. That is what the Prime Minister too has pointed out by saying that the battle against the virus was long drawn. While all focus is currently on how to grapple with the COVID-19 virus crisis effectively and to check its spread and save lives in which, looking to the size of population and many associated factors but with very timely and effective management, India has so far come out with very encouraging results, at the same time,non COVID patients whether at Government hospitals or in private sector hospitals have been feeling to be in tight spot. It is a thing to be believed that a person suffering from a serious tooth or eye infection or even throat problem cannot get treatment anywhere, more so in the private sector hospitals as most of such clinics are shut. We have reports that dentists are apprehensive in examining their patients and ophthalmologists or even orthopaedists in private sector are showing reluctance or their clinics are simply shut. OPDs in most of the Government hospitals are not functioning or are short of the manpower.
Healthcare, even of critical nature such as dialysis , blood transfusion and chemotherapy are currently not attended to as required. How can it be presumed that people suffering from diseases and patients needing critical healthcare can afford to wait only to suffer and plunge in more precarious conditions as treating COVID-19 patients was the first priority only. While that priority cannot be questioned looking to the gravity of the virus not only for the person afflicted but the danger of its fastest transmission to other people, at the same time non- COVID-19 patients should not suffer and must also receive the required treatment. Any prior insistence on undergoing the virus test or production of any latest proof of non suffering from any symptoms of the infection before getting any treatment, is highly uncalled for and is tantamount to harassment of the patient and abetting to worsening of the condition of his or her health. We can understand the tremendous pressure and workload on the limited medical infrastructure which despite many hardships is managing the pandemic better than in most of the countries but the Central Government having taken note of the problems faced by non COVID-19 patients has issued directives in this regard to all states and UTs. Now, during the ongoing lockdown, health facilities must remain functional, especially in the private sector, more so in respect of ensuring critical healthcare like dialysis, blood transfusion, chemotherapy and the like.
Taking the alibi under getting COVID virus test first and thus avoiding healthcare is wholly unjustified as such tests are to be conducted only as per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research. It is quite timely that doubts etc on this issue have been clarified by the Union Health Secretary in a letter addressed to all states and UTs. However, it is to be seen as to how implementation process is responsive as needed. While, again, it should put at rest any type of fears or apprehensions in respect of providing health facilities other than for COVID-19 patients in both Government run hospitals as also hospitals , clinics, labs etc in private sector, it is to be seen how a balance is professionally and administratively struck between attending to the virus suffering patients and those in countless number suffering from other ailments especially of critical nature. It is commendable that for recording grievances, help lines at states and UTs are provided regarding denial of services and/or insisting on prior testing of the virus infection. It may be noted that non COVID-19 health care services and facilities cannot be closed or run partially for prolonged periods as that would explode into major health care crisis of heterogeneous nature.
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