'Step-by-Step Process on COVID-19 Detection and Treatment'

Q: Do you think people are now better aware of COVID-19 in your Gram Panchayat (GP) with respect to symptoms and preventive measures?

Panchayat Sachiv: People in my Panchayat are completely aware of the disease now. They also know the preventive measures. In case of suspicion, they directly report to the Primary Health Centre (PHC).

Q: What is the GP’s role in facilitating testing? How does the GP ensure that villagers who feel worried about any symptoms voluntarily approach the designated health facility to get tested?

Panchayat Sachiv: We get to know if there are any cases in the Panchayat because of Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, ANMs, Ward Members and the Sarpanch, who keep visiting people. If they see anyone showing the symptoms, they take the person directly to the PHC for diagnosis.

Q: What is the prescribed process on COVID-19 detection and treatment?

Panchayat Sachiv: The first step is to send the suspected patient to the PHC for diagnosis. The sample collected goes to the District Hospital, and the report comes in the next 5-7 days. Till then, the individual is home isolated. If the report comes positive, the person is sent to the District Hospital via ambulance for treatment.

This interview was conducted with a Panchayat Sachiv in Rohtas, Bihar in Hindi on 14 July 2020, and has been translated.