Kathmandu: It’s a panic situation outside. The death and infection caused by the second wave of coronavirus is rising astronomically. The situation is worsening each day. We watch the grim details on TV and it sometimes might feel like nobody is working for our welfare, to ensure that we survive even if we are infected, that we get the treatment against this deadly virus.
But there are people who are working, by risking their own health, so that you and I will be safe.
Sonika Rajthala is a nurse at Star Hospital based in Lalitpur. She has been assigned the duty at Covid ICU unit. Once in the ICU room, enveloped in PPE, masks and gloves, she has no moment to lose, no moment to think about what’s happening outside. There are patients who need her care, when she has attended one patient, the other is waiting, and the other, and the other.
Sonika Rajthala has been taking care of Covid patients since the pandemic started last year. This year it feels scarier. “Pressure and loads of work are way too high this time. I work 12 hours, without a break,” said Rajthala.
The hectic schedule has detached her from her family life. She has not seen her parents for more than a week. At home, everyone is worried about her. They call her now and then. “‘Are you okay? Take care,’ they tell me all the time,” she said.
What worries her more, however, is not that she has to work 12 hours a day, but that if she does not, someone’s life may be at risk. “This is the best time to serve the country and the people with whatever skills I have,” Rajthala explained.
The ICU ward is filled with Covid patients. Because of the unprecedented flow of patients, each nurse is assigned to look after at least two patients, which is very challenging and tough. Due to the uncontrollable flow of patients, hospitals all over the country are facing a lot of difficulties. Rajthala knows this reality but it does not discourage her. “We should do our best to fight the pandemic and save people’s lives,” she said.
The stories she reads about the situation in social media and other platforms increase her worries. There are videos and graphics that show people dying due to the lack of oxygen, medicine, ambulances and beds in hospitals. “When I see all this, it makes me feel down and anxious. I wish I could help all those who are suffering”, said Rajthala. “I hope this will end soon and life will be normal.”
The hectic schedule has detached her from her family life. She has not seen her parents for more than a week. At home, everyone is worried about her. They call her now and then. “‘Are you okay? Take care,’ they tell me all the time,” she said.
Sonika Rajthala has been taking care of Covid patients since the pandemic started last year. This year it feels scarier. “Pressure and loads of work are way too high this time. I work 12 hours, without a break,” said Rajthala.
Rajthala has already tested positive. This is the reason her family members are more worried about her. “They are worried but they are happy to see me work to save people’s lives,” she said.
Rajthala has a piece of advice to everyone. She urges everyone to follow all the safety protocols and go immediately for a test if they feel any symptoms. She also has an appeal for the government. “Do everything that is required to beat this pandemic. And do not forget how the health professionals are working. Give them incentives, they are saving lives,” she said.
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