Do not ignore doctor’s orders, take up beds when available

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Amid the jump in COVID-19 case numbers in the city, the BMC is strengthening medical facilities to treat patients.

In widespread reports, we had civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal saying that they have operationalised much-needed additional 3,000 beds in dedicated COVID health centres.

We want to stress on Chahal's words, where he has stated that some patients are becoming critical because they are shunning available places in the wait for a certain facility.

It is natural that people would prefer a facility where they feel comfortable, or are confident about. Yet, we should remember that this is a crunch situation and we simply cannot wait around or insist on a facility of our choice, opting even to wait at home, when advised to go to a hospital.

Officials have spoken out about patients who are refusing to get admitted to a facility that has beds and are digging in their heels to stay at home. Doctors have warned about the difficulty in treating patients who are arriving very late to seek treatment.

In such a difficult situation, it is important to prioritise access to medical treatment rather than become obdurate about going to a certain place and then wasting hours and days too, if beds remain full at a certain place.

Today, we must take what we have because, with the surge, it is important that expert medical treatment is obtained in time. We may wish for this at other times, but unfortunately, the COVID-19 afflicted do not have the luxury of choice right now. If beds are available at a particular place that is not your preferred choice, do take one when medically advised. After all, the doctors know best.