KOCHI: Even as the pressure on the healthcare sector and healthcare workers increased manifold since the Covid-19 outbreak, private hospitals that provide most health services in the city, have been seeing a decline in income due to the fall in non-Covid businesses, including nonemergency medical care and elective surgeries. Now, with the government bringing in relaxations in Covid-19 curbs and 90% eligible population vaccinated with the first dose, slowly normalcy is returning in the city hospitals, with most now admitting patients just like it was during pre-pandemic times.
Hospital managements said patient inflow to the hospitals is now almost like pre-Covid times. A majority of big hospitals stated that patient inflow had dropped by 50% during the first and second phase of the pandemic and that now, they are seeing only about 10%-20% decline in the footfall of patients. “Since almost a month, there has been a steady increase in non-Covid patients coming to the hospitals. Many of the specialties that were affected in the initial phase of Covid is now seeing an increase in patient inflow,” said Ernakulam Medical Centre medical director Dr T V Ravi.
Despite a flood of Covid-19 patients in the private hospitals during the second wave, a majority of Covid warriors— doctors — suffered salary cuts. However, now hospitals have restored their salaries, with some even giving bonus during the festive season. But there were no increments.
As the second wave peaked in May, non-Covid patient inflow dropped by 75% in some hospitals and elective surgeries had to be stopped completely.
However, now hospitals have started surgeries and procedures. “Health issues amongst people is increasing. Several health problems that people had initially ignored can no more be avoided and therefore they are rushing to hospitals even for routine check-ups,” said Lisie Hospital director Fr Paul Karedan.
But health authorities are concerned over the people’s careless behaviour. “Everything is back to normal. But with heavy rush to hospitals, it is sometimes difficult to ensure that people don’t violate Covid protocols. Wearing face mask properly, sanitization and social distancing remain key,” said Dr Sunny P Orathel, medical superintendent of Rajagiri Hospital
To counter crowding in hospitals, many private hospital managements have launched home care packages for the sick and elderly. Not just medical workers, even oxygen cylinders and intravenous equipment will be provided at their homes.
However, one specialty that continues to see very few patients is paediatrics, with a marked reduction in patient inflow.
Medical education too have gained momentum with a majority of students getting back on the campus.
