BHOPAL: Plans for routine check-up of non-Covid patients have been postponed at all the medical colleges because of the ongoing junior doctorsí strike in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, the number of corona cases has declined across the state, providing much relief to senior doctors handling emergency cases in the absence of junior doctors who usually play a largely supportive role. AYUSH doctors have also been pressed into service at the hospitals attached to the medical colleges to help out the senior doctors in their job. However, the workload on the senior doctors has increased as black fungal infection cases keep streaming in for treatment.
Found a workable model
"We've developed a workable model. Weíve called in experts from other medical colleges, such as Datia. Second, weíve called in doctors from the district hospitals as the number of corona cases has declined. Third, weíve started meeting medical experts in the private sector and theyíre ready to provide their service. We havenít started routine check-ups of non-Covid patients so far. The seniors are managing the entire affairs. Ours is the only medical college in the Gwalior-Chambal division and there's no other private medical college. But still, as patients are streaming in from Rajashthan and Uttar Pradesh, itís put a great pressure on the doctors in general." -Dr RKS Dhakad, medical superintendent, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior
AYUSH a support system
"The workload has increased on the seniors, so, the working hours have increased for them. The senior doctors are performing the operations. However, AYUSH doctors are also available as a support system. Talks are on with JUDA to find out a solution." -Dr Rajesh Tiwari, medical superintendent, Jabalpur
"Junior doctors play a significant supportive role in the hospital under normal circumstances. In their absence, the workload has definitely increased. But the number of corona patients has decreased and thatís a relief! We, the seniors, are playing a positive role and trying to convince the striking junior doctors to lift their strike." -Dr Jitendra Shukla, dean, GMC, Bhopal
