Ahmedabad: Covid doctor is virtual hero for his kids

AHMEDABAD: On May 24, Dr Sanjay Kapadia, the resident medical officer (RMO) of the 1,200-bed Covid hospital, managed to attend his son’s birthday celebration — but only though a video call.
His son had turned three and was cutting the cake. All Dr Kapadia could do was to blow a kiss at the screen and send a silent prayer.
“Since March 23, my wife and children have been with her parents. I had no idea that the pandemic will prevail for so long,” said Dr Kapadia. His daughter is 12. “They are still away from the city and I make video calls whenever possible,” he said.
Dr Kapadia along with Dr Sanjay Solanki and Dr Sumeeta Soni were among the Civil Hospital staff members brought in from their departments in March to convert the 1,200-bed hospital into a Covid-19 facility. The trio had earlier overseen operational aspects of the building and knew what is required where.
“Our primary responsibility is coordination — between authorities and the hospital and between departments,” Dr Kapadia said. “We keep track of staffers, and ensure that supplies are smooth. And above all, we ensure that treatment protocols issued periodically are implemented.”
He has missed his marriage anniversary during the Covid-19 outbreak. “But my children and family understand the work we do and are proud of it,” he said. “It will surely be a memorable Father’s Day for me and them.”