Thiruvananthapuram: Exclusive post-covid facility for follow-up treatment will be set up at all government hospitals and health centres. The decision follows a continued trend of recovered patients turning up with a typical range of illnesses. The new facility will be created across the state’s community health centres, family health centres, taluk-district-general hospitals and govt medical colleges, said Health Minister KK Shailaja.
The Health Department has already come out with guidelines for setting the new wing. across its hospitals. Incidentally, hospitals at Malappuram and Kozhikode are equipped with this facility. Much of the covid aftermath pertains to complaints of breathing, muscles and bones. Greater attention will be provided to those recovered, said the minister.
Recovered Patients Must Re-visit
All persons who have overcome their coronavirus infection must necessarily visit the post-recovery facilities. There, they will receive follow-up treatment every month. The post-covid division, overseen by District Medical Officer, will remain open once every week during fixed hours. Health staff will undergo specialized training for the purpose. A study report from doctors at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College will be used as functional guideline. At major hospitals such as Taluk, District and Medical college, providing tele-medicine facility is being considered as added option.
Moderate Excercise A Must
Exercise and walking are vital to keeping post-recovery complications at bay. Breathing exercises, squats and push ups may be done at regular intervals. Walking as a form of exercise will help prevent chest pains and breathing difficulties and breathlessness to a very large extent. In the first week post recovery, it is advisable to walk 5 times a day for 5 minutes. This should then be stepped up to thrice a day for 10 minutes in the second week and then on, for 15 minutes twice a day.
