'I'm Called Corona Didi'

Q: How has your role changed after the lockdown?

ANM: My duty was always in Emergency and Delivery and I have been performing it regularly. There has been no change in my role. The people who come here are informed about the spread of the virus for their own safety as well as mine.

Q: What are the main precautions you take for executing your regular healthcare duties now?

ANM: I wear a mask and gloves all the time and also wash hands frequently. I maintain distance from people and advise them to do the same. People are advised to not come to the OPD unless it’s absolutely necessary to avoid crowding.

Q: What is it that you need to do your job better? Can you think of an instance which has stayed with you or something which you have done that you are proud of?

ANM: We have worked in the entire lockdown period and have travelled on our own from the hospital to our homes. The government did not provide facilities.

It’s easier to work if the required medicines and masks are available. Earlier there was a shortage, but now it is fine. We have not received any monetary incentives.

I feel proud when people listen to me and also tell other people what I told them.

Q: Are regular health activities - immunisation, health checkups etc back to normal? Is the fear amongst people less now?

ANM: Yes, normal checkups and immunisation has begun now. OPD is also open but there is still fear among people. They don’t come to the centre easily.

Village Heath Sanitation Nutrition Day (VHSND) visits in the village, people say that – Corona Didi has come.

The interview was conducted with an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife in Nalanda, Bihar in Hindi on 13 July 2020, and has been translated.