Coronavirus: UAE doctors empower blue-collar workers to fight Covid-19

Abu Dhabi - Doctors at hospitals and clinics are following the guidelines issued by the health authorities.

Medical professionals - the first line of defence against Covid-19 - are going the extra mile to create awareness about the risks of the pandemic among blue-collar workers in the industrial area of Mussafah. 
Doctors at hospitals and clinics are following the guidelines issued by the health authorities and disseminating right information to every worker in their native languages.  
Workers have become more hygienic, health conscious and mindful about their surroundings, said Dr Baiju Faizal Puthenkote, specialist internal medicine, Lifecare Hospital, which is adjacent to the Worker's Village. "The workers are more aware now. Earlier they were worried about every migraine, abdominal and respiratory problems as Covid-19 symptoms. So, we counselled workers on the actual symptoms." 
 The hospital disseminates information in Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu languages as most workers are from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India. 
"Most of them wear masks, wash hands regularly and eat healthy to stay fit. Also, the number of people with diabetes and hypertension has reduced as they are aware about the risk of getting infected." 
He said not just medical professionals but supervisors at labour camps are also creating awareness. 
"Everyone is acting responsibly. Labour accommodations are one place where the virus can spread rapidly. The accommodation supervisor sends workers who show any symptoms to the hospital. Moreover, we have pasted posters at various points in the hospital to spread further awareness." 
'Follow only authentic information' 
Dr Rajesh Vellikal, general practitioner, Aster Clinic, Mussafah, warned workers against blindly following health information and tips received on social media platforms - a practice rampant in camps. 
"Though most of the workers are aware about the symptoms related to Covid-19, there seems to be lot of wrong information acquired from social media platforms. We have many patients without any symptoms and travel/contact history requesting for a 'Corona test'. We are strictly following the updated guidelines of the Department of Health for screening/quarantining symptomatic patients.  
"Moreover, we are educating them about personal hygiene and social distancing and urging them to strictly follow the regulations and guidelines issued by the government and health authorities, and their social media platforms. We have also displayed information at all places in the clinic regarding Covid-19," Vellikal said. 
Say no to self-medication 
He noted there has been a worrying trend seen among workers which needed to be curbed. 
"The most worrying thing is the tendency among workers to self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines." 
Doctors said they are aware about the risks involved but were happy to serve and play their part in helping the UAE fight off this pandemic. They said they are filled with renewed sense of resolve and responsibility following the encouragement from the UAE leadership. 
On Tuesday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had launched an online campaign to thank healthcare workers in the UAE. 
Taking to Twitter, March 24, Sheikh Mohammed invited everyone to thank doctors, nurses, paramedics and hospital administrators. Residents can express their gratitude with #ThankYouHeroes. 
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com