Coronavirus: Heroes who man KGMU's isolation ward in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: It has been over 10 days since father-to-be Saurabh has felt his baby. He hasn't comforted his pregnant wife either. For, the senior resident doctor knows physical distancing is the key in a concerted campaign against the coronavirus pandemic.
Saurabh, posted in the isolation ward of KGMU, lends a face to all the heroes without capes who are working round the clock to manage suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19.On an average, the shifts of doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff engaged in virus duties have been prolonged by 4-6 hours. Their job doesn't end even after they reach home.
"All of us who are directly involved in sample collection, testing and cleaning must be on alert 24/7," said Dr D Himanshu, the in-charge of the infectious diseases unit at KGMU. "Just like patients in an isolation ward, we are leading restricted lives at home," said Dr Mohd Ansari who has converted the entire first floor of his house into a quarantine zone for himself. He eats separately and washes his own clothes.
Some of these health sector heroes are living away from their families to ensure zero risk to their vulnerable parents and children. Dr Himanshu shifted to the KGMU campus a week ago, leaving his elderly and ailing father under his wife's care. "I had distanced myself from my dad and kids around 10 days ago. I have not seen them since the first positive case in Lucknow was reported," he said.
Sister-in-charge Georgina revealed why they needed extra hours to beat the contagion. "Preventive drills, wearing personal protection equipment and changing PPE for normal duties take at least an hour. And this is done at least 4-6 times a day," she said.
The challenge has been furthered by an unanticipated shortage of staff after a fellow resident posted in the isolation ward tested positive. Support staff didn't hide their concerns about contracting the disease. A couple of them have, in fact, requested for transfer to another ward. To counter the crisis, the hospital authorities organised an interaction.
"We reminded them how they have been living with and beating health risks at work. We apprised them of additional steps that they can take to keep trouble away. Thereafter, most returned to their duties. Those who did not were replaced," said Dr SN Shankhwar, chief medical superintendent, KGMU.
Help also came from unexpected quarters. Office clerk in the medicine department Kamlesh, for instance, has become the point man for the outside world. "In addition to his routine work, he is doing odd jobs like ensuring water supply, acting as a bridge between patients and their families, getting phone recharges done, keeping the Wi-Fi connection running and so on. He is there to help even at 2am," said Dr Himanshu.