by Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai: As the pandemic grows and number of cases swells in major metros, the healthcare system is stretched to its limits. With more and more people getting infected and the virus spreading exponentially, our country’s hospital infrastructure is challenged because of new cases of coronavirus, existing patients undergoing treatment for coronavirus and other patients seeking treatment for non- COVID diseases. If the present state continues, a dearth of beds is imminent and must be avoided at all costs.

Keeping this in view, and based on the fact that 70-80% of people afflicted with coronavirus have no or mild symptoms, Gleneagles Global Hospitals & Continental Hospitals have designed Covid-19 Home Care Services for patients who does not require hospitalization. This majority of patients, who do not have severe symptoms, only need to isolate themselves at home and monitor symptoms- ensuring that they do not spread the disease. Through this comprehensive a program designed by top experts in infectious disease management and intensive care, the patient can be monitored through an online portal and any worsening of symptoms can be identified and attended to at the earliest.

Another key feature of this program is an educational video and manual on do’s and don’ts for the patient and the caregiver- for them to better understand their responsibilities and be fully compliant with the program. The caregiver’s responsibility is probably the highest, both towards the patient and caring for them and also towards themselves- maintaining optimal hygiene and ensuring that they do not transfer the disease to themselves and others.

In case a patient is having symptoms or has been diagnosed with Covid-19, they can reach the hospital where they will undergo a “Risk Assessment” to evaluate their condition and judge the severity of symptoms. This is an essential assessment as it highlights whether a patient is fit for Home Care or requires hospitalization. If the patient does not require hospitalization, they enroll for the program and are given access to a portal where they can update their daily vitals like temperature, SPO2, pulse rate, etc. These are monitored by a fully trained nurse and a doctor daily- and to ensure that the patient is healthy and following the program, there is a daily call with the nurse and a video consult with the doctor every alternate day. During these calls, the patient can discuss their condition and update on any new developments.

“Since most of the patients with Covid-19 do not require hospitalization, our team of doctors and nurses can manage these patients from the safety of their homes. As long as the patients are compliant and following all the basic instructions, they can recover within a period of 14 days and become symptom- free again. The combination of initial risk assessment, daily follow-ups and a clear manual on do’s and don’ts for the patient and the caregiver makes this program extremely robust and comprehensive” said Dr Subramanian Swaminathan, Chairperson, Infection Control Advisory Board- Group, Gleneagles Global Hospitals & Program Director.

Citing the current scenario and how healthcare is dealing with it, Shriram Vijayakumar, Chief Operating Officer, India Operations Division, Parkway Pantai which is the parent company of Gleneagles Global Hospitals & Continental Hospitals said “Being a major player in Indian healthcare with a legacy of many years, we feel it is our responsibility to care for patients suffering from this disease in these critical times. This program will ensure that all patients get the highest quality of treatment as we utilize the strength of technology to monitor the patient daily, just like we would in a hospital setting. Thus, in the safety of their home, the patients get access to the top-of-the-line quality healthcare that we offer.”

The Covid-19 Home Care Services are available for all patients with minor symptoms and those who are undergoing home isolation. On enrolling for the program, the patient also receives a Home Monitoring Kit, which has been assembled by the hospital for patient convenience, consisting of a digital thermometer, pulse oximeter, gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, and recording sheets. Designed by India’s top medical experts in the field and powered by digital technology and daily monitoring, this program is exactly what is needed for a majority of patients diagnosed with Covid-19.