Andhra Pradesh: People turn to social media platforms for Covid needs & emotional support

VISAKHAPATNAM:

Social media

platforms have almost emerged as lifesavers amid the second wave of the

Covid-19

pandemic. These platforms have not only helped people access knowledge and resources, but have also provided emotional succour to people suffering from the disease and to those who have lost a loved one to the pandemic.

With smartphones allowed in hospitals, hospitalised Covid-19 patients are communicating regularly with their friends and family. Families on the other hand are using the same social media platforms to access networks of plasma donors, medicine and food.

Koduru Sumana, a classical dancer who recently recovered from severe Covid-19 at a private hospital in Tirupati, said, “My husband and I were infected with Covid-19. Unfortunately, my husband passed away. I recovered with the support of my friends while speaking with them on social media. They supported and motivated be continuously and made me mentally strong.”

Some social media platforms have played a key role in connecting plasma seekers to donors, says P Jagan Mohana Rao, vice-chairman of Indian Red Cross Society for Andhra Pradesh. Dr KV Ram Kumar, managing director of Lakshmi Gayatri Hospital in Visakhapatnam, said that he is currently treating mild Covid-19 cases and other illnesses through video calls.

A group of doctors in Vizianagaram has opened an isolation treatment package for patients. “We receive requests through WhatsApp from people in home isolation. We have a seven-day package which includes daily home visits by doctors,” said one of the doctors associated with the group.

Dr PV Sudhakar, Covid-19 nodal officer and principal of Andhra Medical College, said that he is conducting video conferences with the medical fraternity every day. “On Monday, we conducted a webinar on oxygen therapy for Covid-19 hospitals across the state. These social media platforms have really emerged as lifesavers for stakeholders and Covid warriors,” he said.