BAREILLY: Indian Army has been selflessly playing a significant role in India`s fight against the massive Covid second wave, and the men in uniform are now preparing to face the third wave, too, with a three-pronged strategy.

“We have a three-step strategy for the third wave. Develop the present infrastructure by setting up more oxygen plants and improve logistics, set up paediatric critical care facilities and up-skilling of nursing and other medical staff to support paediatric cases through hands-on training and online sessions with experts,” Major General Dr Sabarigirish K, who is in-charge of medical health facilities of Indian Army in Uttar Bharat (UP, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh), told TOI. “The Army’s mortality rate during the first and second wave has been far lower than the national average,” he added.

The main reasons Dr Sabarigirish, who is an ENT specialist and was a professor at the Armed Forces Medical College earlier, gave for the “lower mortality rate” were vaccination, Covid-appropriate behaviour, compulsory quarantine of every person returning from leaves, complete suspension of all social activities, zero-contact meetings unless important and regular health check-up.

“All the troops were vaccinated without fail and Covid-appropriate behaviour is followed by everyone from top to bottom. Also we sent jawans on leaves in batches and upon returning they have to spend a compulsory 14-day quarantine period at a separate facility and their health condition is monitored. On 15th day, their Covid test is done and then only they are taken inside the camp,” said Dr Sabarigirish.

When asked about the prevention steps taken for black fungus disease, he said, “There are not many authentic studies to identify the actual cause of this disease, so we are emphasising on early recognition while treating Covid patients. We screen every patient for the symptoms of black fungus disease on a daily basis. We also educate every patient about the possible symptoms of black fungus at the time of discharge from the hospital. We advise them to report immediately if they find any such symptoms, so that their treatment can be started.”

When asked about the medical facilities provided to Army veterans, Dr Sabarigirish said, “Indian Army is giving equal priority to veterans as they are our integral part. We have formed ‘Atoot Bandhan Cell’ to address their health issues. Army hospitals are admitting them on priority. Counselling through voice and video calls are provided to the ones who need expert advice. We have requested our ex-officers to come early to our hospitals in case they or their family members have any medical emergency rather than delaying.”

Army has set up four 50-bed hospitals with complete oxygen support besides various vaccination centres in Uttarakhand and UP.

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