Sunday 31 July 2016

Life..Just before Death..But not Less



 Dr Sonia Singh

Hello friends,  I am Dr Sonia Singh, in charge of the multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) ward at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna.

I would like to share my experience about MDR TB patients who have the right to get treated and cured like other patients, but many a times they are devoid of their rights as a patient and as a human!

I write about a student of class 12. He acquired MDR TB infection most likely from the hostel. He was admitted in MDR TB ward and we started treatment after pre treatment evaluation. His general condition at the time of admission was fair so he tolerated medicines well. To our surprise, he was not accompanied by any family member or relative and he did not call them when asked. Finally he confessed that he did not want anybody to know about his disease else they might boycott him at every level; in the family, society and the school. We counselled him nothing like that would happen and that the family is meant to give all kinds of support at hours of need.

He had high blood pressures, so along with MDR TB drugs antihypertensives were planned. Then the patient said that he was afraid to see the nurse and we thought about the possibility of white coat syndrome. He was finally discharged after 7 days. We counselled him again; although he was suffering from a difficult condition , if he adhered to the drug regime he would be totally cured and would be a healthy person in the society. At the same time we advised him to use mask to avoid spreading infection to others. He left our ward happily and is coming for follow up in OPD along with his parents .The best part was that he continued to study throughout his stay in the hospital and was very much concerned about his future and career. (Picture: the patient reading a book )
I conclude my story with mixed feelings. When I was  appointed, my fellow colleagues discouraged me from joining such an infectious ward but my family supported me. They said being an FP I should not turn away from my duties towards society as MDR TB is a new threat to society.I read detailed literature about MDR TB and MDR TB wards and found that health professionals were prone to get infection. So I presented the design of MDR TB wards with adequate ventilation, Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation Techniques (UVGI), use of N-95 respirators and also trained nurses to work with full safety. Rest I leave to Almighty!

Some patients often complain that they are ill treated by DOTS-PLUS supervisors and counsellors. We approach them and request not to hate patients but to help them.

We also advise yoga, meditation, positive thinking, listening to music etc. to patients so that they are able to cope with tough situations of life with ease.

I know, it is not so easy but at least a full attempt should be give to Lives..just before death!

11 comments:

  1. Wonderful work Sonia .what you are doing is a real family doctor. A friend, philosopher and guide.congratulations. You are really setting example for other Doctors. I am sure you are getting lot of satisfaction from your work.Good luck to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great initiative mam my best wishes

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations Sonia. You are doing a great job for your patients and society By nature you are very positive and helpful and completely dedicated to your profession. We expect all doctors should also have such approch. Be like this always.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great initiative mam my best wishes

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations Sonia. You are doing a great job for your patients and society By nature you are very positive and helpful and completely dedicated to your profession. We expect all doctors should also have such approch. Be like this always.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations Sonia. You are doing a great job for your patients and society By nature you are very positive and helpful and completely dedicated to your profession. We expect all doctors should also have such approch. Be like this always.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Everyone should learn from your experience......Humane approach

    ReplyDelete
  8. Everyone should learn from your experience......Humane approach

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Doctor Sonia keep up the good work! In our country we need more such dedicated doctors to treat this disease more rampant in our remote rural belt where people have least facilities. All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Sonia,very inspiring read.So happy to know you are able to achieve what you always wanted...helping as a professional and making this world a better place by not losing hope.more power lady..much love.

    ReplyDelete