To face COVID-19, it is essential to receive timely medical advice, attend yoga classes, and participate in family counseling with mental health professionals: Kshetra Seva Pramukh Ekka Chandrasekhar.
Raising medical awareness is crucial to effectively combat the virus: Kshetra Seva Pramukh Ekka Chandrasekhar.
Kshetra Seva Pramukh (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) Ekka Chandrasekhar states that those affected by COVID-19 should not panic. He emphasizes that with courage, any illness can be overcome. During the first and second lockdowns, Seva Bharati extended its support to many people by addressing their hunger and difficulties.
Additionally, Seva Bharati ensured the safe return of hundreds of migrant workers to their native places. Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the organization has been at the forefront in the two Telugu-speaking states, conducting extensive service activities to combat the virus.
By offering timely and accurate medical advice, Seva Bharati has saved numerous lives. Several programs are being conducted to instill confidence in those diagnosed with COVID-19. In a special interview with Jagruti, Kshetra Seva Pramukh Ekka Chandrasekhar shared more details:
What role is Seva Bharati playing in the fight against COVID-19?
Since the commencement of the “Unlock” phase, there has been a shift in the social dynamics. During the lockdown, people felt secure, but once the unlocking began, the situation changed completely. Currently, 70,000 to 80,000 people are contracting the virus daily, and over 2.5 million cases have been reported nationwide. There is a growing fear in every individual that the virus may reach their homes, and this fear is more dangerous than the virus itself.
In times of natural disasters or unexpected events, NGOs and other service organizations often come forward to help. However, this situation is different. Those who attempt to assist COVID-19 patients are at risk of contracting the virus themselves. As this is primarily a medical issue, raising medical awareness is critical in battling COVID-19. Seva Bharati is treating this work as a sacred mission, and as part of this, it has created a system where it directly communicates with those suffering from the virus.
Can you elaborate on this system?
As soon as symptoms appear, anyone can call Seva Bharati’s toll-free number: 040-4821 0101. Based on the symptoms, our doctors will provide medical advice. For those who test positive, we provide a kit following the doctor’s recommendation. This kit system ensures that patients remain under our doctors’ supervision. Currently, about 80% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 are recovering at home, while only 20% require hospitalization. Therefore, medical advice is crucial for those in home isolation. Just as medication is vital, so is proper medical guidance. Seva Bharati pays special attention to this.
The kit provided by Seva Bharati includes an oximeter, thermometer, fever and vitamin tablets, masks, throat lozenges, and steam inhalation tablets. This kit, which is worth around ₹2,500, is provided free of charge. The kit allows patients to monitor their condition without leaving their homes. If medical advice is needed, our doctors are available, following ICMR guidelines. We have set up kit distribution centers across district and mandal headquarters in Telangana. However, these kits are not given to everyone—only upon a doctor’s advice. So far, we have distributed 1,200 kits across Telangana.
How does the Seva Bharati kit differ from the government’s kit?
The government also provides kits to those in home isolation, but there have been reports that these kits are not always delivered fully. Moreover, there is no continuous monitoring by government doctors for those in home isolation. The Seva Bharati kit includes a vital device—an oximeter—which allows patients to monitor their oxygen levels and pulse rate regularly. Patients with low oxygen levels can seek timely medical attention and save their lives. This device is not part of the government-provided kits, and the absence of this has led to many patients succumbing to the virus without realizing their oxygen levels were dropping.
How does the oximeter work?
Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, sore throat, dry cough, and difficulty sleeping. People with a stronger immune system can recover quickly by consuming herbal drinks, nutritious food, and taking steam inhalation. However, for those with comorbidities like diabetes, kidney problems, and heart conditions, the virus spreads rapidly, severely affecting the lungs. As a result, many people struggle to breathe and succumb to the virus. In some cases, even if the situation is recognized early, a lack of available hospital beds leads to deaths.
Seva Bharati has included the oximeter in the kit to help prevent such situations. Patients can use this device to check their oxygen levels and pulse rate. By placing a finger in the oximeter, one can immediately see the oxygen percentage and pulse rate. After determining the oxygen levels, one should walk for six minutes and recheck the levels. The pulse rate should remain above 95. If it drops below this, immediate hospitalization is necessary.
When can people contact the Seva Bharati toll-free number?
Our toll-free number is available from 8 AM to 11 PM, and people can call anytime during these hours to seek medical advice. Our call center receives thousands of calls daily for advice. We also maintain a digital health record of COVID-19 patients, where we continuously monitor their progress through our tracking system.
How many volunteers are involved in this program?
Seva Bharati is running this program extensively in both Telugu states. We have 25 full-time employees working 24/7 at the call center. Around 100 volunteers across Telangana are participating in this program, along with 60 doctors offering their services. So far, 2,503 people have registered through our toll-free number, with 753 from Hyderabad alone. Around 1,800 have registered across the districts, and 820 have recovered at home without needing hospitalization. We also provide real-time information about available hospital beds to those who need hospitalization.
What programs does Seva Bharati offer to instill confidence in COVID-19 patients?
We are organizing family counseling sessions with mental health professionals to support COVID-19 patients, thanks to the cooperation of doctors from the Telangana Psychiatrists Association. So far, we have conducted counseling for over 500 people. Additionally, we conduct daily yoga classes from 11 AM to 12 PM through the Seva Bharati YouTube channel. Some patients who have fully recovered are voluntarily coming forward to donate plasma, and others are also showing interest.
What is your message to the public in light of the COVID-19 situation?
There is no need for those diagnosed with COVID-19 to panic. The number of people recovering from the disease has been steadily increasing. However, those who test positive and are in home isolation must seek medical advice. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties should seek hospitalization immediately. Losing confidence can weaken the immune system, so it is the responsibility of family members and friends to instill mental strength in patients. This is the duty of every citizen.
Interview by: Korutla Harish.
