Dr. PC Sarma first COVID positive patient in Cachar to be treated at home; says "This must be encouraged"

On July 22, renowned cardiologist in Silchar Dr. PC Sarma had tested positive for COVID19. The same day his wife was also diagnosed as infected by the virus. Both of them were transferred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. But then Dr. Sarma placed in a request to allow him and his wife home – treatment.

It is worth mentioning here that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Government of Assam had issued the terms and conditions under which home treatment will be allowed in the state. That included the availability of separate toilets, 24 by 7 caregiver, private vehicle, and many more. “We had ticked all the boxes,” says Dr. PC Sarma while talking to Barak Bulletin.

Sarma lives in a multi-storey apartment, with a number of other flats in the premise. For him, it was thus important to get a NOC from the society. Dr Bikash Agarwal is the secretary of the society. Dr Sujit Biswas, activist and social worker, Joydeep Chakraborty, a senior doctor from the microbiology department, and professor of Assam university are Dr. PC Sarma’s neighbours.

“All of us unanimously decided that we must encourage this and issue non-objection to Dr. Sarma’s request to be treated at home. This is a disease that can happen to anybody and any day. Since he was meeting the criteria there was no reason why we should object. This is what the secretary of the society Dr. Bikash Agarwal had stated and everyone else agreed,” informed Joydeep Chakraborty, neighbour of Dr. PC Sarma at Pushpa Vihar Apartment in Meherpur opposite Shivalik Park.

After getting approval from the society, Dr. Sarma gave the declaration to Cachar District Administration and it allowed him to be treated at home. Meanwhile, his two sons and a daughter had also tested positive. “All five of us are doing fine. We can walk around, work on our respective computers and the time passes easily. Unless critical, this is a disease that does not require much medical attention, and therefore home treatment is something that must be encouraged,” said Dr Sarma.

He added, “Not all have two toilets, private cars, and the other facilities required to be eligible for home treatment. The guidelines are quite stringent. It is important that those who fulfill the criteria opt for it and their respective society allows it. This will take some pressure off from the healthcare infrastructure which is already under stress.”

While the Sarma family was the first individuals in Cachar to be treated at home, the district health department informed that they have allowed 50-year-old Sati Sangeeta the same, as she fulfilled the criteria. Sangeeta is now under quarantine at home in Narshingtola.

Joydeep Chakraborty said that the administration appreciated the society for allowing Dr. Sarma and his family to be treated at home. They have got calls from other societies too. While Meherpur and Narshingtola are setting great examples, there are many places in Cachar where the stigma takes over.