Nagpur: Sameer Khan from Damoh over 370 kms from Nagpur, had undergone an appendix surgery in the city and was supposed to come back for a review. The trip has been delayed due to travel restrictions by the Madhya Pradesh government. Khan now waits for the curbs to be eased.
In a bid to prevent a Nagpur-like situation, the MP government has imposed curbs on travel from Maharashtra. Last week, entry of buses from Nagpur was stopped. Those entering the state from Maharashtra have to produce a Covid negative certificate or else remain under seven-day home quarantine.
Curbs have affected access to healthcare for a large number of patients across the state border in Madhya Pradesh. Apart from the new ones, even review of old cases has been held up, say sources.
A sizeable population from neighbouring districts of MP and remote areas come to Nagpur for medical help. The numbers have dwindled gradually after restrictions were imposed.
Patients from MP are also scared about rising Covid cases in Nagpur, said sources TOI talked to.
A senior health department official in MP said, “The authorities are also discouraging travel for medical reasons unless it is not a dire emergency. We are insisting that people should avoid travel only for medical consultation. Of course they can go if there is an emergency. On their return, travellers have to get a Covid negative certificate,” the official said.
Dr Shrikant Mukkewar of Midas Multispecialty Clinic said there has been a significant decline in the number of patients from MP. “This is affecting treatment too. For example, patients of liver diseases need to be reviewed in 10 days. Travel curbs have affected their visits,” he said.
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, an orthopedic surgeon, said it can be managed where only consultation is needed, but cases where physical examination is needed have been certainly affected.
Representatives of other major hospitals, including corporate set ups, also reported a drop in patients from MP.
Over the years, a daily train that connects Jabalpur and Nagpur has earned the name ‘Ambulance’. Patients form neighbouring states find the overnight train the most convenient means to reach the doctor in Nagpur and return the same day. On Sunday night, not more than 30% of the capacity was returning. From March 1 to 15, over 800 passengers travelled by the train each day as against a capacity of 1300. Figures of next week are yet to be compiled.
“As much as half of the patients in buses taking off from Damoh to Nagpur used to be patients. Now, bus services itself have been stopped,” said Dr Surendra Patel in Damoh.
“Over the years, medial facilities have developed in MP too. A number of patients prefer to get treated here itself. Yet there are many who still prefer doctors in Nagpur whom they have been regularly visiting,” a government source said.