Kochi: After taking initiatives throughout the Covid first wave to guard healthcare employees (HCWs) , now IMA, by means of its “I Secure” mission, is reaching out to these in residence quarantine.
To start with, it has been determined to mortgage oximeters to these in residence quarantine without spending a dime. Throughout the peak of the second wave, there have been a number of incidents of individuals not gaining access to oximeters ending up in hospitals in crucial situation.
IMA developed the “I Secure” mannequin for an infection management and coaching, particularly in small and medium hospitals on realising that throughout the nationwide lockdown, declared on March 24, practically 50% of personal hospitals had been closed attributable to worry of the pandemic.
The second part of the mission was launched in Could when the state noticed a spike in Covid circumstances and the state authorities roped in non-public hospitals that cater to round 70% of the inhabitants, to deal with Covid sufferers too.
All of the non-public hospitals had been requested to maintain apart 50% of their beds for Covid remedy. Throughout the first wave, when the “I Secure” mannequin was launched, the non-public hospitals weren’t treating Covid sufferers.
“We gave the oximeters to hospitals in all of the districts so that folks may borrow them without spending a dime. Those that require the oximeter needed to contact us, get it collected and return it after use,” mentioned Dr Sreejith N Kumar, chairman, I Secure mission.
They shared round 3,000 pulse oximeters with the non-public hospitals that had partnered with them in Covid care.
Although individuals in residence quarantine and people discharged from hospital had been requested to observe oxygen saturation ranges utilizing pulse oximeters, many didn’t have entry to them.
“Many didn’t possess the gear and lied about it once we enquired with them. Few admitted that they couldn’t afford it,” mentioned an Asha employee.
There have been additionally allegations of defective oximeters being bought at excessive charges attributable to excessive demand.
“Our focus throughout the second wave was on domiciliary care, OP-based care and a few IP based mostly care. Along with giving hospitals coaching in an infection management measures and Covid administration, we additionally equipped them with oxygen concentrators, masks, PPE kits and different protecting gear for docs, paramedics and sufferers. We additionally launched Covid care centres with help from 221 hospitals and began 100 free Covid testing centres.
All these initiatives will allow us to be higher ready for the third wave,” added Dr Sreejith.