With the novel coronavirus pandemic continuing to spread at an unprecedented rate, it is understandable if you are feeling down and out during the current circumstances. In fact, people across the globe are struggling to keep their mood in check while juggling between a host of personal and professional responsibilities.
A light in dark times
What if we told you that we have a piece of news, which is bound to bring a heartwarming smile on your lips even during these dark and gloomy times.
Don’t worry! We have got you covered. Here’s a Goa-based doctor who has been breaking social stigmas and spreading smiles and joy with his simple act of kindness.
Dr Edwin Gomes, head of medicine department of Goa Medical College, has been discharging his recovered COVID patients by giving them a warm hug. He means to send across a message to everybody to not shun these patients and called them COVID angels as their plasma contains antibodies that can help in the treatment of active COVID patients.
He added that patients who have recovered can help active COVID patients by explaining to them the difference between shortness of breath and breathlessness where the latter is considered a serious symptom that can lead to a medical emergency if not detected early. They can also help them by sharing their experiences and thus abate their anxiety.
Dr Gomes has been leading a team of doctors at the Margao-based ESI hospital for the treatment of Covid-19 patients and has hugged almost 190 patients at the time of their discharge in the last three months.
He also appreciated a patient, who after recovering from the infection, helped other battling COVID-19 in the hospital.
“After recovering, this patient from Mangor Hill (a COVID-19 hotspot in Vasco town of Goa) helped other patients by feeding them, putting in the bedpan etc. He was like a nurse. If some patient had a query, he would answer them politely,” Dr Gomes shared.
Dr Gomes said such people should be engaged by the state government to help out in COVID centres as they can be of great help to understaffed hospitals.
