In the absence of definitive curative measures for COVID-19, current infection control and management rely heavily on public health preventative measures, including lockdown and social distancing, to prevent disease transmission. The Government of Nepal has been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic through the implementation of two key strategic approaches: public health prevention and hospital-based intervention. Despite the government’s efforts in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the current crisis has severely affected the health care system of the country. Considering the crisis, Jayanti Memorial Trust, in coordination with the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC), had utilized the funds provided by the Edward Grant to provide essential medical equipment to aid in the operation of newly established isolation centers such as the Radha Swami Isolation and Oxygen Therapy Center located at Samakhushi, Kathmandu.
There are only a few health facilities capable of treating and managing COVID-19 cases with an appropriate degree of preparedness and readiness. Following the necessary safety protocols, the isolation centre is well equipped with all the essential equipment and the required number of medical staff and helpers which has further made the quarantine environment safe, effective and pleasant for patients.
The daily situation analysis report of COVID-19 at the center witnessed that greater numbers of female patients were found to be infected with COVID-19.Some reports have indicated that some patients with COVID-19 have prominent upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms whereas some younger patients did not seem to show severe symptoms.
Upon interviewing a 92 year old woman named Kalika Devi Bastola, a senior citizen patient at the centre, the patient mentioned how much worse her condition was at the beginning of her illness and relayed her recovery story from a state of improved health. She added “I got better treatment at the isolation centre than at my own home”.Another 74 year old patient, Kaila Tamang, who recovered from COVID-19 was recently discharged and was delighted that his health had improved to such a degree that he was able to go home.
These stories and patient experiences show us that the isolation centre has become a patient care focused hub and an important quarantine location for those who are unable to self-isolate for financial and other reasons.
