Challenges Doctors face during COVID-19 Part 2

This is an interview with Dr. Prameela Madamala.

Dr. Prameela Madamala is a General Physician and General Practitioner in HSR Layout, Bangalore and has an experience of 24 years in these fields. Dr. Prameela Madamala practices at Excela Medicare in HSR Layout, Bangalore. She completed MBBS from Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati in 1996. She has completed MD in the USA.

She is a member of American Medical Association (AMA), American board of family physician, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Karnataka Medical Council. Some of the services provided by the doctor are: Geriatric Healthcare, Foot infection, ENT Checkup (General), Insulin Free Treatment and Arthritis Management etc.

Interviewer: Good evening Doctor. Could you please introduce yourself and the type of practice in your clinic?

Doctor: My name is Dr. Prameela Madamalla. I am a primary care physician in my clinic, Excela Medicare, Bangalore.

Interviewer: How has COVID-19 impacted the number of patients you see in a day?

Doctor: During the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to close the clinic for 5 months. Because of COVID, the number of patients seen has decreased drastically after opening the clinic.

Interviewer: Due to COVID-19, what additional measures had to be taken for the safety of doctors and other clinic staff?

Doctor: Because of COVID, we had to make a lot of changes in the clinic. Everyone, including our staff, had to wear PPEs. We see one patient at a time in the clinic. The patients are also screened for temperature and oxygen saturation level before they come into the clinic.

Interviewer: What are the challenges you face while following these additional guidelines?

Doctor: It takes a lot more time to see one patient. We have to see the patient wearing PPEs and from a distance. Sometimes, patients may not give correct information. Sometimes, patients hide COVID-19 symptoms so that they can be seen by me.

Interviewer: How do you handle attendants who accompany the patients? For example, some elderly patients and kids may need attendants.

Doctor: We had to cut down the attendants who follow the patients. If it is really necessary, one attendant was allowed. The attendants are also screened for temperature and oxygen saturation level.

Interviewer: When you suspect a patient could be COVID positive, what are the next steps?

Doctor: Any patient who is suspected to be COVID positive is suggested to go for COVID testing.

Interviewer: As a primary care physician, you would be administering vaccines to your patients. How do you think these last months have affected the vaccination schedule?

Doctor: Because of the COVID lockdown, vaccinations got delayed. In my practice, I see patients who are 6 years and above. The vaccines got delayed by a couple of months, but it will not have many serious effects in the future.

Interviewer: What are the different ways in which you have made yourself more approachable during COVID, for example, do you consult over the phone?

Doctor: Yes. During COVID time, I was, in fact, now also I am doing teleconsultation. I am available to the patient through phone, WhatsApp, and Apollo 24/7 online consultation.

Interviewer: How has COVID impacted regular checkups? For example, patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, etc. would need regular monitoring. How are you able to help them?

Doctor: I was able to take care of my patients who have chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid through teleconsultation.

Interviewer: During the lockdown everyone stayed at home. Due to lack of exercise and activity, do you observe a change in disease trends of your patients?

Doctor: Due to lockdown, some of the patients developed stress, anxiety and obesity. But at the same time, patients with diseases like diabetes, high BP, etc. achieved better control because they are now eating home-cooked healthy food.

Interviewer: Thank you for continuing your service to society during this difficult period. All of us are indebted to you and all the health workers in the world. Do you have any general advice for all of us?

Doctor: As you all know, wear the mask properly. If you can, maintain social distancing. Wash your hands. Use sanitizers. Thank you.

Thank you for enlightening us. Thank you so much for your time.