Coronavirus has left no nation untouched. In many states, COVID is seeing its peak or may see in the coming days. A country like Israel has become Corona free. India is still fighting with its second wave, while there is also a prediction of the third wave. Lockdown is being implemented in many states of our country to stop the spread and transmission of coronavirus. We have to unite and come forward to fight and defeat this epidemic. To create awareness amongst the general population, we at Medicircle are presenting special series on the Role of Diagnosis in COVID 19, wherein we are featuring eminent Radiologists, Pathologists, Founders of Diagnostic Centers and other healthcare experts to share their experience in dealing with COVID patients.

Dr. Hemant Dhoka is the Founder and Managing Director of P.H. Diagnostic Centre. He is also an Healthpreneur. He is experienced and has more than 20 years of expertise and demonstrated history of creating successful brands in the diagnostic and healthcare industry in India and Internationally. Dr. Hemant has strong business development professional skilled in Healthcare Consulting, Execution and Strategic planning.

India is well equipped to tackle challenges

Dr. Hemant informs, “Perhaps India was not ready when the pandemic started, neither any diagnostic center nor any healthcare infrastructure was ready. Now it’s been more than a year since this pandemic. As the pandemic is growing, healthcare has continued to develop in its own way. So now it is well equipped to tackle the upsurge or upswing in the pandemic which comes. In this second wave, we have seen a shortage of oxygen supplies, beds, tests were not in time, there was overload in every infrastructure. However, every lab, diagnostic centers and hospital have now prepared themselves with adequate infrastructure and equipment to stop the transmission and spread of this pandemic.”

A negative result of RT-PCR can be because of many reasons

Dr. Hemant says, “The existing tests can easily pick or detect the present variants or mutants but if the mutations continue, the kits, devices or machines have to be updated accordingly to catch hold the strains. And now genomics sequencing has also started in many places to know which strain is impacting more in our country.”

Dr. Hemant mentions, “There can be many reasons for the negative result of RT-PCR test – how the sample is taken, ability skill of the technician, stage of infection (viral load is very low in the latent phase of infection). The sensitivity of RT-PCR test is 70-75 %, so the result may come negative in an early phase of infection. But if the person has come in close contact with any positive patient and has symptoms, in that case, the person should be isolated for 4-5 days and after 4-5 days RT-PCR test should be repeated if required.”

Double mask is more effective

Dr. Hemant stresses, “Double mask is surely more effective. A double mask will increase the filtration efficacy. Any mask can be used for this, be it be N95 or surgical or cotton, all are good. Wearing it appropriately is important. Mask should fully cover your nose and mouth. Of course, social distancing and hand hygiene are also important.”

Vaccination is surely working

Dr. Hemant emphasizes, “Vaccination is very important. Everyone should get vaccinate themselves. If at all a person gets positive after vaccination, the severity of infection is very low in this case. If a person becomes positive after taking a single dose of the vaccine, the infection will be in mild form only. So, vaccination is surely working. If a person gets positive, he/she should wait for at least 8 weeks/2 months to get vaccinate.”

Children should continue practicing the pandemic norms

Dr. Hemant adds, “Most of the children have learned so far, how to wear a mask, maintain hygiene, follow social distancing and this should be continuing. As there is no vaccination for 18 and below, children should continue practicing this and we can help them to be more aware of the updates.”

Counseling is important

Dr. Hemant shares, “Because it was something new, in the beginning, everyone was afraid, and slowly they were learning from it. First, we assured the safety of our staff employees so that they are protected from this infection. Counseling of the patient and staff is very important, to overcome their fears. If testing and treatment are started at the right time, we can very well control this disease.”

(Edited by - Renu Gupta)