Brave frontline nurses await return to work

Anjali

DIKSHA RUPASA, SNS, 29 April 2020, SILIGURI: TWo nurses in Siliguri who have bravely fought Covid-19 after contracting the virus while treating Covidp atients at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) have said they will resume duty and help fight the pandemic with renewed vigour once they recover fully.

Anjali Rai whose 22-month old son and husband, are still admitted at Dr Chang's (Covid) hospital at Matigara here, had high spirits and said she was not deterred in the least.

"On 26 March, I received the Covid-19 patient (54-year old woman from Kalimpong who died later), while I was on duty for two days with her. I was tested positive on 11 April I, and my mother have been discharged, but my husband and son are still at the nursing. I, my mother and my son used to stay in Siliguri while my husband visited us during the weekends, but because of the lockdown he could not return to Darjeeling." Mrs Rai said on the phone today.

According to her, they must remain in quarantine for the next 14 days, after which she will be returning to work. "We certainly had a difficult time while in isolation. I am eagerly awaiting for my husband and child's return home," Mrs Rai, who lives at the Shantiniketan apartments near the NBMCH. said.

Pratika

"I was not able to send my family members away for some time as the lockdown had already been imposed. Nevertheless I tried my best to keep them safe. My husband would keep the bath water ready for me so once I returned home, I would take bath, wash all my clothes, sanitize myself and only then I would go to my baby." she added.

Asked if she was afraid and had doubts about returning to work. Anjali said, "I will surely be getting back to work very soon. However, this Time, I will ensure that I watch out for the safety of my family members first. I am not worried about myself now. I will be discharging my duties anew and help further in this fight against the pandemic, no matter the consequences."

Covid-19 was also not able to shake another nurse, Pratika Pradhan, who left for her hometown in Tindharia near Kurseong in Darjeeling today after being disharged from the Covid hospital here yesterday.

"I tested positive on 5 April. Fortunately, my family resides in Tindharia and I stay in Siliguri with my brother, who has tested negative as he was in quarantine and took precautions," Miss Pradhan said.

"We had been using the safety kits while at work, but we somehow come in contact with the patients. I have a joint family in Tindharia, but I will be staying in quarantine for 14 days and will not be in contact with my family members for their safety. All my friends and family members have been very supportive." she said.

On her return to the frontlines, Miss Pradhan said, "While on duty, the patient comes first and I am not going to back out during this situation. I will certainly get back to work with renewed vigour once I recover completely."

(Courtesy, source - The Statesman- https://epaper.thestatesman.com/2653162/Siliguri-The-Statesman/30-TH-APRIL-2020#page/2/2 )