Doctors on standby as IMA Maharashtra issues emergency readiness alert

Representation Pic/iStock

Doctors stand ready and on high alert - that's the message by the Indian Medical Association's (IMA) Maharashtra unit, which has reached out to its members to be in ready, get set and go mode for emergencies as the India-Pakistan confrontation has set the nation on edge.

Thane's Dr Santosh Kadam, president of IMA, Maharashtra, highlighted that the human factor plays a vital part along with medical equipment and infra: brick 'n' mortar hospitals and clinics. "That human factor is the spirit of the doctors, which is: we are ready to serve. Just like our legion of medical warriors had done during the challenging pandemic/COVID times, so it is now, when we are facing a new test," said the IMA president.

‘Take precautions'

His written communication to more than 200 branches/members in the state read in a nutshell that: "In view of the current uncertain geopolitical environment, we advise the following precautions." Points followed like: "Ensure availability of essential emergency medicines, dressing materials and life-saving drugs at all clinics, hospitals and nursing homes."

Dr Kadam added, "We want all medical outposts to have enough bandages, tetanus injections, colloids [in case of excessive bleeding] and some medication. We should have a robust fleet of ambulances, too."

Doctors have been asked to ensure the availability of essential emergency medicines, dressing materials and life-saving drugs at all clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. Representation Pic/iStock

The communication read, "We should have a reserve of beds, specifically allocated for any potential emergency trauma or casualty cases." The IMA president stressed specifically that "all local IMA branches are requested to constitute a Disaster Management Task Force, which includes senior clinicians, surgeons, anaesthetists, emergency physicians and volunteers, ensuring rapid deployment and response in crisis times."

Dr Kadam added that the IMA's top cadre would be providing official communication and directives "as and when we get them and needed; yet, we are encouraging our members to be proactive in this way so that we have all operating with enough resources and clarity in communication."

‘Keep stock of meds'

When Dr Kadam, was asked what medical preparedness the public should take, he said, "First, we need not panic as that itself can have an adverse effect on health. Keep at least a fortnight's stock of regular medication on hand. We will hold blood donation camps if, for any reason, our stocks thin out."

Asked for a sign off, motivational message for our warriors in white coats, both on the frontlines (our army doctors) and their civilian counterparts, Dr Kadam said, "Our doctors need no motivation, if any situation arises here, all of them will team up to stand and serve. Let us all rise to serve our motherland with discipline, duty and devotion inside our country when our soldiers are fighting at the borders. Jai Hind," he ended.