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Leading Through Crisis: Upholding Lung Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge, but it has also been a period of resilience and innovation, particularly in the field of pulmonology. As a dedicated team of experienced pulmonologists, we had the privilege of working during this tumultuous time. Our efforts were multifaceted, aimed at not only providing exceptional patient care but also at shaping guidelines, advising policymakers, educating the public, and advocating for lung health. Here’s a glimpse into our journey:

Patient Care Excellence

Our foremost commitment was to the patients. We ensured the highest quality of care for those affected by COVID-19, employing evidence-based practices and adapting swiftly to emerging treatment modalities.

5000

COVID patients treated

5

ECMO (heart lung support) initiated

500

COVID bronchoscopies performed.

20
K

lives impacted positively.

Guideline Formulation

Recognizing the need for standardized protocols, we collaborated with experts to develop comprehensive guidelines for managing COVID-19 patients, addressing diagnostic criteria, treatment algorithms, and infection control measures. We helped write the Indian guidelines for performing bronchoscopy in COVID positive patients.

Government Advisory Role

Serving on the tactical advisory committee provided an opportunity to contribute directly to governmental decision-making processes, ensuring that policies were grounded in scientific evidence and prioritized public health.

Public Education

Mass education initiatives were paramount in dispelling misinformation and promoting preventive measures. Through various channels, we disseminated accurate information on COVID-19, empowering individuals to protect themselves and their communities.

  1. These included online webinars for major companies such as Oracle, Prestige, Microland among others, where demystification of the disease, practical tips and a live Q and A helped many.
  2. Simple and helpful apps were created with collaborators, such as ‘What to do when I am diagnosed with COVID19’ and widely circulated on social media as a handy go-to resource 

Media Engagement

Recognizing the importance of reaching a wide audience, we authored numerous newspaper articles, shedding light on key aspects of the pandemic, from symptoms to vaccination, fostering public awareness and understanding. Some of our notable articles are as follows:

  1. India and Covid-19: The urgent need for a surgical strike: March 2020: Deccan Herald
  2. Let’s stop treating COVID-19 contact as criminal: April 2020 Deccan Herald
  3. A Road map to battle Covid-19: The fight of the century: March 2020 Hindustan Times
  4. The PPE crisis : A greater understanding of what is needed at the ground level -manufacturing, quality control, price control and expedited delivery: April 2020 Hindustan Times 
  5. Time to ‘rise and shine:’ Outlining the role of leaders in Private Healthcare in the COVID crisis, a ‘coalition of the willing’
  6. Time to treat moderately sick COVID-19 patients at home: It’s time to consider home-based or domiciliary care for a subset of moderately sick COVID-19 patients: Deccan Herald June 2020 
  7. ALL HANDS-ON DECK – A clarion call to marshall resources across specialties and hierarchies. May 2020
  8. COVID19 care in residential areas post-lockdown: An overview highlighting changing perspectives and essential precautions. Classic Orchards newsletter 
  9. Thought leader article: Our Best shot: Inoculate the vulnerable, target the mobile: TOI April 21
  10. Thought leader article: Inability to act proactively, fix issues will trigger the third wave: TOI June 2021

Government Recognition:

It was truly humbling to receive acknowledgment from the state government for our contributions. This recognition reaffirmed our dedication to serving the community and inspired us to continue our efforts to safeguard lung health. https://www.nammabengaluruawards.org/portfolio/dr-ravindra-mehta/

As we embark on this new chapter with our healthcare setup focused on lung health, we carry forward the lessons learned and the spirit of collaboration that defined our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our patients and community.