Compiled by Prithika Prasad based on input from Barunansu Sarkar & Devjit Sarkar, Buurtzorg Edugreen Neighbourhood Care[1], India
Coronavirus has affected countries all over the world and responses to the pandemic have been vastly different.
“India is a hugely populous country. The future of this pandemic will be determined by what happens in densely-populated countries. It’s important that India takes aggressive action at the public health level, and at the level of society to control, and suppress this disease”. Mike Ryan, WHO emergencies programme director (March 23, 2020).
With a population of 1,376,826,080 as of Tuesday, April 7, 2020, based on World meter elaboration of the latest United Nations data, it is key that India needs to respond quickly to prevent spread and mortality. The country responded proactively, through initial airport screening and early advise to adopt social distancing. Due to how fast the virus was spreading, the PM Narendra Modi announced a 21-day national lockdown on 24th March and in the meantime extended until 3rd May.
Buurtzorg India
Many healthcare providers have to adapt to the outbreak of the virus and work under several constraints and one example of this, is Buurtzorg India. Buurtzorg India provides post hospitalization care, palliative care, nursing care and geriatric care. Many private hospitals provide this care but at a huge cost which can be unfeasible. Buurtzorg India aims to provide this care through alternate means at a reduced cost. Over 60% of its patients are critically or semi-critically ill and need round-the-clock monitoring. In India, Buurtzorg operated with approximately 100 caregivers across 5 locations; Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Varanasi and Lucknow. Smaller teams provide services in a 12 or 24 hour shift due to the demands of the job. Many of these carers migrate from neighbouring towns to provide this care and are provided with hostel accommodation to avoid unnecessary long travel.
From obstacles to focus on duties
As a response to the rapidly spreading virus, India was declared under lockdown on 24th March. Whilst this was done in the best interest for India’s population, it resulted in some obstacles for Buurtzorg India.
Carers who were required to travel for their job, were not able to. 30% of them were anxious and scared about the current situation and as a result, wanted to return home to be with their families. When the lockdown was announced, many migrant workers left by foot to their villages because there was no transport available. Those that were required to remain at home risked losing motivation and feel disconnected. But in a crisis like this, health care providers like Buurtzorg could not cease to provide care as they have a duty to their patients. However, these are unprecedented times and therefore there is no procedure on how anyone should handle something like this. An action plan was created by the CORE team including senior members and Head nurses.
When Reason died, then Wisdom was born.
Sri Aurobindo
Caring for all
Communication was initiated and everyone was encouraged to acknowledge the crisis and be there for patients during these times. Caregivers responded by volunteering to help and communication was maintained through the use of video chat. Those who returned home were not penalised for their decision and were ensured financial security. Patients were categorized based on need and non-critical patients were looked after by family who were trained to provide care. The remaining patients were looked after by a pair of carers who were adopted by host families so that they could look after patients without traveling. Their accommodation and food arrangements were made by the patients’ families. Having 2 carers for each patient meant that the stress was shared and they could bond. Emergency transport was made available to transfer caregivers between locations where absolutely necessary. For those who were not at patients’ locations but in their hostel, in order to boost morale and keep them connected, daily challenges were created, such as a cooking challenge. This allowed members to bond and have some sense or norm during this crisis.
In the face of adversity, Buurtzorg India has been able to adapt and continue to provide services amidst this crisis. Their ability to continue providing health care stems from the selflessness of their staff to provide care and volunteer through everything that is going on.
In times like these we get inspiration from teachings of our saints:
“When I Asked God for Strength He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brawn He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favors He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted
He Gave Me Everything I Needed”
Swami Vivekananda
[1] A Home Healthcare Enterprise
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