Bengaluru: With the rapid rise in the number of COVID19 Cases, the government has been exploring methodologies to increase the number of beds (Stadiums, Exhibition Centers, Hostels, Wedding Halls Conversion), ambulances (Requisitioning private ambulances, buying more) and healthcare and testing personnel. With the latter in mind, the Medical Education Department has requested the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) to make a request to all medical practitioners registered with them to lend a helping hand at the government or private hospitals.
“Our State is registering a rapid rise in the number of Covid-19 patients. Your services are urgently required in this hour of crisis,” Karnataka Medical Council ( KMC) president Dr H Veerabhadrappa stated. The KMC has asked those willing to serve voluntarily register their names with the Medical Education Department and the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
Dr. Veerabhadrappa said they are requesting doctors, who have time at their disposal or those who are not employed or practicing, to volunteer for the task. “They can work at government hospitals at whatever time convenient to them. They don’t have to work for six hours a day. Even if they work for two or three hours a day, that is also good under the present circumstances.” They can help to treat mild and moderate cases and coordinate and consult with specialist Doctors if need be.
“I am willing to serve in the OPD and monitor the patients. All doctors can help depending on their expertise. However, there is a restriction on age, but with precaution, we can always do our best,” he said.“Doctors do complain about the shortage of the PPE kits, but the government can be requested to provide the required equipment,” he said.
UK has tried out a similar experiment with retired Doctors of the NHS. The Maharashtra Medical Council too had asked all medical professionals to assist that State in fighting the pandemic,
