As Bhilwara squeezes into the COVID-19 national headlines once again - this time for its successful fight against COVID-19, we showcase the story of two doctors from the RNT Medical College, Udaipur, who led from the front in helping Bhilwara overcome this challenge.

It was 19 March, when Dr. BL Meghwal and Dr. Gautam Bunkar left Udaipur with their team in an ambulance to augment healthcare professional resources in the textile city of North India.

One reaching Bhilwara, the team identified the hospital as the epicentre of the virus and began screening the residents in the hospital -- both staff and patients. Those who came in direct contact with the infected and those with whom they were in direct contact.  Their details were collected labourously over the next few days. The day used to begin early in the morning and would get over by 4am the next day.  This exercise led the team to help bring Bhilwara on to its feet once again. 

Dr Meghwal, who is an Associate Professor of Paediatrics in RNT Medical College Udaipur and head of the team that went to Bhilwara, said in his interaction with media, that this was a like a war situation. We were apprehensive of touching anything that came our way, while at the same time ensuring that even the minutest of details are covered. It was war where one was not aware where the bullet may come from and who it may injure.

Dr Bunkar, who is an Assistan Professor of Medicine in RNT Medical College, Udaipur said that this was an experience of a life time.  He also said that it  was the criticalness and urgency of the situation coupled with ensuring that even the minutest details are covered, which made the entire project exciting and worth every moment spent there. He said that the team was aware that even the slightest error could result in danger for the stakeholders as well as for themselves.

Both Dr Meghwal and Dr Bunkar are serving quarantine and have been away from their families for 20 days now. Udaipur is proud of its heroes.

News Source Credit: Story by Madhulika Singh in Patrika