This Covid +ve doctor is spreading positivity among GSVM docs and students

My objective is to impart whatever I learn with the new generation of doctors who can reap benefits. I can’t stop teaching, my heart is always into it. DR RAJ TILAK, paediatrician

KANPUR: Veteran paediatric Dr Raj Tilak is Covid-19 positive but is busy teaching GSVM Medical College students and faculty members about the latest research on the pandemic.

Along with medicines, lying by his side, are journals like Lancet in which he remains engrossed most of the time when he is not busy sharing the latest updates with junior doctors and faculty in neuro Covid ward of LLR Hospital where he was admitted after his oxygen saturation (SpO2) level dropped below 90.

He can be seen discussing with them the treatment management or explaining them double mutant virus and how much havoc it could wreck, said doctors attending him.

Dr Tilak’s recent paper on allergies in children and their pulmonary issues found a place in Lancet.

Apart from being a top paediatric, Dr Tilak is involved in research on asthma and allergies.

Prof Yashwant Rao, who is one of the two senior doctors treating him, said Dr Tilak spoke at length on the Lancet claim that the virus could be airborne.

“Junior doctors listened to him intently as he continued to share the latest development,” said Prof Rao, who was admitted in same ward last year and had set an example of treating patients despite being positive.

Dr Tilak said, “My objective is to impart whatever I learn with the new generation of doctors who can reap benefits. I can’t stop teaching, my heart is always into it,” he said.

Dr Tilak has written extensively on the lack of manpower and other resources in government hospitals.

“During such pandemic, the general people become dependent on government health care system, which is not in a condition to brace that kind of inflow as being seen now,” he said while insisting, he was deeply concerned with the lack of RTPCR tests, paramedical staff and dedicated hospitals.

Dr Tilak, however, is surprised along with doctors that he tested positive despite taking all possible precautions.