Kolkata: Veteran healthcare administrator documents the Covid-19 Pandemic, how it was fought

KOLKATA: The Covid-19 pandemic came storming in, gripping the entire nation in 2020 and for the following two years, the country fought under intense conditions. Now, a Kolkata-based veteran healthcare administrator has penned the efforts by healthcare workers in braving the pandemic amidst challenges.

“This is my effort in documenting about the pandemic and how the pandemic was fought from the first case when we barely had the knowledge about the virus,” said Rupak Barua, former group CEO AMRI Hospitals who is now the advisor, strategy and planning Manipal Hospitals who has penned Anatomy of a Pandemic: The AMRI Story.

“It is not just as a retrospective account but also as a beacon of hope and duty in the face of adversity. It is dedicated to all healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to fight an invisible and unknown enemy and through this we honour the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering dedication of those who stood at the frontline during an unprecedented global crisis,” he added.

State health minister, Chandrima Bhattacharya, said this was a way of preserving the pandemic’s history.

“It beautifully captures the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals, spotlighting the commendable role played by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other staff during the pandemic. The book will serve as a crucial record, reminding people of the challenges faced by the world, nation, and state during those tumultuous times,” said Bhattacharya.

The minister also asserted the vital role played by the state government, with special mention of the police administration, in effectively handling the situation.

Principal Secretary Health, Narayan Swaroop Nigam hailed it as a narrative of human resilience, capturing the unprecedented country-wide lockdown and the collective efforts of healthcare workers who tirelessly faced the unknown.

Dr S.K. Todi expressed the need for more scientific research into the virus’s origin and highlighted the gaps in disaster medicine, stressing the importance of further investigation into these crucial areas.

Dr Susruta Bandopadhyay shared challenges faced by the medical community during the initial days of the pandemic while Dr Angshuman Mukhopadhyay revealed how he meticulously maintained a diary documenting the day-to-day experiences over the two years of the pandemic and highlighted the profound learning that emerged during this extraordinary period.

“The government’s recognition of journalists as Covid warriors demonstrated the collaborative spirit that prevailed during those challenging times,” said Snehasish Sur, President of Press Club Kolkata while acknowledging the parallel efforts of journalists who, like healthcare professionals, played a pivotal role in disseminating information during the pandemic.