Hyderabad(Telangana): Dr Uma Rani Madhusudana, a Mysore-origin doctor at the MidState Medical Centre of South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut said that India can fight against Covid-19 with the help of teamwork. She said that she is proud of the manner in which India has been handling the pandemic crisis.
An alumna of JSS Medical College in Mysuru, Dr. Uma made it to the headlines across the globe after she received “ Unsung Heroes honour” award in the USA for her extraordinary services in treating the corona patients.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, she said that medical workers should take proper care of their emotional and mental health to deal with this severe health crisis. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q1. How is the situation of Covid-19 in the United States?
A1: Covid-19 situation in the United States has definitely hit us hard. But now the situation is improving. We have managed to tackle the tide and the situation is getting better.
Q2.How are the families of Indian doctors coping up with this pandemic?
A2: Indian healthcare personnel are getting affected across Europe and the United States. Families are having anxiety and fear and even they are equally affected. It's a challenge for a family to go through this situation.
They are worried about what will happen to them if they are going to work like this. However, families and friends are the pillars. If the frontline workers keep a smile on their face and give the confidence to our family that everything will be alright, I think families can cope up better.
Q3. Are American hospitals able to handle the huge number of cases?
A3: Definitely, America is able to handle huge number of cases and a lot of preparedness is going on.
Q4. Do you think India is doing good enough to tackle the crisis?
A4: Yes! I am really proud of the way in which India is handling Covid-19 crisis. So far, they are doing very good by the following lockdown, practising social distancing, wearing masks and following health protocols and hygiene.
Only the government cannot handle this situation. If people also co-operate with the government, I think we can win against this pandemic. The only way we can overcome this pandemic is by doing phenomenal team work. In India, we are known to win if we work together as a team.
Q5. Mysuru, your hometown saw a spurt in cases, what would your advice be for the health professionals there?
A5: To be a frontline worker at this point of time is extremely challenging. First and foremost, all health professionals must ensure their safety. It's important to protect yourself in order to save others. Health professionals are very much needed now, so I would tell them to use PPE kits, wear masks, sanitize hands and follow social distancing norms.
One must not forget to take care of emotional and mental health. In our hospitals, we have a healthcare support system. Health workers must not show anxiety, hopelessness and their fear. If we have someone to talk, I think that that would be of great help.
Q6. How has your family supported you in these challenging times?
A6: I would like to say that my family is my pillar. My entire family and my friends have supported me immensely and brought confidence in me. They have also ensured that I take proper care of myself and I am very fortunate to have my family and friends.
Q7. How is the situation among the Indian American communities?
A7: Indian Americans are following all the guidelines and social distancing. They are aware of what can help to prevent the spread of the pandemic. They are extending support to the community by stitching masks, making face shields and providing food. In every possible way, they are pitching in to help in this catastrophic situation. I am very proud of the Indian American community here.
