High-risk zones: Corona or no corona, it is rush as usual at LD hospital

Srinagar, Mar 19: Inside a crowded Out-Patient Department at Lal Ded Maternity Hospital, a 35-year-old expecting woman jostled for a general check-up on Wednesday.
A two-month-old pregnant, she traveled all the way from Tral for a checkup caring little for the safety of herself and the baby, given the coronavirus threat.
“I advised her to get a basic checkup done at the peripheral hospital and not visit the hospital unnecessarily. There is a high risk of contracting an infection in a crowded setting,” the doctor examining her said.
Similarly, a 28-year-old pregnant from Pattan visited the Hospital to acquire an antenatal ticket.
“Again, she could have avoided coming to the hospital as she already possesses a card from Baramulla district hospital and primary health center, Pattan. We made her understand that the chances of virus transmission in a large gathering is more and unnecessary travel should be avoided,” said the doctor.
These are not isolated cases. The patients visiting the lone maternity care Hospital are at a high risk of transmitting contagious illnesses. Add to it, the doctors and healthcare professionals equally bear disproportionate risk.
On a rough estimate, the hospital witnesses around 600-700 patients on an average every day.
A senior gynecologist at Lal Ded Maternity Hospital pointed out that pregnant women are prone to coronavirus.
“But, it should be known that if she gets infected, the severity of the infection will be more, because of the immuno-compromised state during pregnancy. But, that holds true for all kinds of viral infections,” she said
The doctor stressed that it is advisable that pregnant women avoid unnecessary traveling and stay indoors instead. “Unless it is an emergency and they require immediate obstetric and medical care, only then they should be brought to the hospital,” she said.
Dr. Auqafeen Nisar, a resident doctor at SMHS hospital said pregnant women should engage in usual preventive actions. “Actions like washing hands often and avoiding people who are sick should be followed,” Dr. Auqafeen said.