The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started counseling Covid-19 patients at a center for the treatment of the disease in Goregaon of Mumbai, as most of them complain of depression and sadness because they are far from their families for treatment there.
Many Covid-19 patients have reported mental health issues with Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope, underscoring the need for their regular counseling.
The BMC has taken the first initiative to provide counseling to Covid-19 patients at the center, where moderately ill Covid-19 patients receive treatment. He has identified some patients for counseling through 60 smartphones.
“We have partnered with Prafulta-Center for Psychological Wellness. Every day for three to four hours, counselors counsel patients. Medical staff are trained to identify patients who need advice. We have prepared a list of these patients. According to the list, the center offers the time slots for counseling, ”said the center’s manager, Dr. Neelam Andhrade.
“Although there is no scientific evidence available, we have seen that patients who speak regularly on the phone with their relatives recover faster. In fact, the recovery rate is higher among older patients. “
The BMC plans to initiate similar telephone counseling at other centers. “We are getting a pretty good response from the center. So, we are in talks to start the installation in other centers as well. We have also ordered electronic smart pads for patients. We have allocated a budget of Rs 9 million for the acquisition process, ”said BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani.
