COVID-19 makes 40 per cent of Hyderabad gynaecs inaccessible to patients

Hyderabad: An estimated 40 per cent of gynaecologists are not available to patients in Hyderabad as they are have stopped visiting hospitals due to the coronavirus spread. Some of them are COVID-positive themselves.

Small clinics that used to operate only for consultation have closed down unable to afford rent plus salaries plus protective gear. These doctors are either operating from home or have migrated to their home towns. These gynaecologists used to visit different hospitals and had patients in three to four nursing homes.

All this has made it difficult for first-time pregnant women. Many are not aware that they can access their doctors via tele-consultation. Many women depend on neighbourhood clinics and not finding their doctors accessible has left them high and dry.

Gynaecologists in the bigger hospitals are either on rotational service or going to work on a need basis. A senior gynecologist explained, “Corporate hospitals have restricted consultant visits and payments are being made accordingly. For this reason, consultants are preferring tele-consulting or have taken a break.”

Government gynaecologists state that they have been “highly exposed” as women from containment zones were brought for delivery and they had no protective gear.

Dr Vijaya Krishnan, a senior gynecologist, explained, “It has been tough for all of us. We have worked 24x7 and helped all the women who were enrolled with us and those who were referred to us.”

Dr Roya Rozati, senior gynaecologist, added, “If there is a concern an ultra-sound can be done at 12 weeks. Tele-consultation is available to patients. Many women are being monitored online and we encourage them to use this facility.”

Hospitals are taking emergency cases and birthing is carried out with full protection in government and private hospitals.

Dr Shantha Kumari, senior gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, said, “It is the unnecessary visits that we do not want pregnant women to make. Ultrasound scans are being done only if there is a concern. It is difficult for many people to understand but to avoid infection they must keep vulnerable people safe and this includes pregnant women.”