Women suffer without lady docs
Many pregnant women not aware about tele-consultation
An estimated 40 per cent of gynaecologists are not available in the city, either as they are infected by Covid-19 or have stopped visiting hospitals due to the Coronavirus spread.
Small clinics which operated only for consultation have closed down due to the difficulty in paying rent and salaries and purchasing protection gear.
These doctors are either operating from home or have migrated to their hometowns. These gynaecologists used to visit different hospitals and had patients in three to four nursing homes.
All this has made it difficult for first-time pregnant women, and many are not aware that they can access their doctors via tele-consultation. Many women depend on the neighbourhood clinics and not finding their doctors has left them high and dry.
Gynaecologists in medium and big hospitals are either on rotational service or coming on need basis. A senior gynecologist explained, “Corporate hospitals have restricted consultants to per visit and their payments are made accordingly. For this reason, consultants are preferring tele-consulting or have taken a break.”
Government gynaecologists state that they have been “highly exposed” as women from containment zones were brought for delivery and they had no protective gear.
Dr Vijaya Krishnan, senior gynecologist explained, “It has been tough for all of us. We have worked 24x7 and helped all the women who were enrolled with us and those who were referred to us.”
Dr Roya Rozati, senior gynaecologist, explained, “If there is a concern an ultra-sound can be done at 12 weeks. Tele-consultation available for patients. Many women are being monitored online and we encourage the patients to use this facility.”
Hospitals are taking emergency cases and birthing is carried out with full protection in government and private hospitals.
Dr Shantha Kumari, senior gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, said, “It is the unnecessary visits that we do not want the pregnant woman to make. Ultrasound scans are being done only if there is a concern. It is difficult for many people to understand but to avoid infection they must keep vulnerable people safe and this includes pregnant women.”