NBMCH works onward for post-Covid complications

SNS, SILIGURI, 4 JANUARY 2021 : The North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Siliguri is now working on a dedicated ward for the treatment of people suffering from post Covid-19 complications.

Public health experts have said that several people who have recovered from Covid-19 were found to be suffering from complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, heart ailments and neurological problems. According to them, elderly people or those with comorbid conditions were at higher risk.

NBMCH superintendent Dr Kausik Samajdar said the designated facility will be launched at the chest ward in the NBMCH soon.

"It has been observed that Covid-19 is leaving behind footprints. Many people are suffering from post-recovery problems. Therefore, a separate treatment facility will be launched in the chest ward for the treatment of those cases," said Dr Samajdar.

An advisory issued by the department of health and family welfare of the West Bengal government in December titled 'Post Covid follow-up guidelines' has stated that patients should visit doctors for a follow-up treatment on the 14th and 28th day of their discharge and at least once every month for a year.

"Even the so-called mild Covid-19 may be associated with long-term symptoms, most commonly cough, low grade fever, and fatigue, all of which may relapse and remit. Other reported symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, neuro- cognitive difficulties, muscle pain and weakness, gastrointestinal problems, rashes, metabolic disruption (such as poor control of diabetes), thrombo-embolic conditions, and depression and other mental health conditions," the advisory reads.

Noted pulmonologist in north Bengal Dr C P Sharma, who has been treating several patients suffering from Covid -19 ever since its outbreak, said he had observed that many patients usually developed lung fibrosis despite recovery.

"It is very important that the patients who have recovered from Covid-19 should undergo a CT scan after 12 weeks after discharge to examine fibrosis. I am getting cases of patients who are suffering from breathing trouble, lung complications following their recovery," said Dr Sharma.

Dr Anirban Roy, a dental surgeon who had contracted Covid -19 in June, is still suffering from postCovid complications.

"l am still suffering from lunglibrosis Like me, many others are suffering from complications in vital organs like lungs, eyes and kidney in the aftermath of the infection. In many cases, both the heart and the lungs are getting seriously damaged," said Dr Roy, who was the first plasma donor in Siliguri.