Kota|HL
The Covid-19 pandemic has taught many lessons to all of us. Being an ortho surgeon, I had never thought of such a devastating pandemic and the experiences that we learned from it. Initially, when this deadly virus was detected and entered the country, we were scared. It was a learning experience not for the profession but for the personal life too.
My wife was 8 months pregnant and delivered our first baby in the month of May when the country was under complete lockdown and I was in the hospital. I have to remain isolated and was not even able or allowed to see or touch my baby for more than 3 months. It was a very depressing moment for me as a father, but I have to keep myself isolated for the safety of our members as well as patients. Somehow, the time passed and after a few months, when I took my baby in my hands it was an unbelievable experience to get the feeling of a father.
At professional front, it was challenging to treat ortho patients during the pandemic as they were not getting treatment and were scared to visit hospitals due to the fear of getting infected with the deadly coronavirus.
We did counseling of such patients and gave free teleconsultations so that the treatment should not get discontinued. I am happy to share that during the lockdown I conducted more than 15 surgeries, including some of the Covid-19 patients. We took complete precautions and followed Covid appropriate behaviour while conducting such surgeries. In the second wave when all hospitals were fully occupied and no hospital was admitting non-Covid patients, we allowed admissions for them with ICU beds which were reserved for those ortho patients who have gone through critical surgery. I always follow my professional ethics and never say ‘No’ to any patient who is in need.
Dr. Durga Shankar Dhillan, Sr.Orthopedician Kota, Rajasthan
