CMC Ludhiana discharges its first 72-year-old COVID-19 patient after full recovery
By Raju William
Ludhiana, April 22, 2020: A 72-year-old woman admitted at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here after being tested positive for COVID-19, was discharged.
Director CMCH, Dr William Bhatti told babushahi.com that she is the first COVID-19 patient to be one to have recovered fully she was discharged after recovering fully during the course of her stay in the hospital.
Hailing from Jalandhar, she was brought to the CMCH with the history of fever and breathing diffculty four weeks ago. She was found to have very severe respiratory symptoms and required non-invasive ventilator support during her stay. Notably, she was admitted at CMCH after being refused admission elsewhere.
“Her condition was very serious initially but improved with adequate medical care. And she was finally discharged after two consecutive tests turned negative,” added Dr Bhatti.
Professor and Head, Department of Medicine CMCH, Dr Navjot Singh said that this is a serious disease but it is possible to save lives of those suffering through collective efforts.
Dr William Bhatti, Director CMCH, Ludhiana
His views echoed in the comments of Dr. Lydia Solomon, Associate Professor Medicine and Nodal Officer COVID 19 as she reiterated that life of this older woman could be saved due to the team effort.”I am proud of the entire team of doctors and nursing staff who took care of the patient day and night,” she said.
The patient’s recovery and discharge from hospital has filled the entire medical staff with a renewed sense of confidence in combating the pandemic and this confidence gives hope to other patients who might be infected with the deadly virus. Assistant Professor, Medicine Dr Divya commented that the survival of this COVID-19 positive patient has made their entire team feel it is possible to save precious human lives from being devoured by this pandemic.
Aware of its responsibility of providing succor to the suffering people being the oldest medical institution of the region, the CMCH has risen to the occasion during this grim situation. A separate COVID Isolation Ward has already been set up at the hospital to look after suspected or confirmed patients.
At present, the separate OPD for regular patients is also functioning.
“The CMCH came into being for the citizens of Ludhiana and the region around. It has always striven to provide top order healthcare despite challenging circumstances. We are trying to live up to this reputation even during the prevailing calamity,” said Dr Bhatti.