In view of the increasing complaints of anxiety, depression and gloominess among the people due to the threat created by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) has designated a senior faculty member to counsel such patients on phone. The Principal of the GDMC, Dr Ashutosh Sayana said that the college has asked the head of department (HoD) of Anatomy, Dr M K Pant to remain available on phone or whatsApp to counsel the patients of depression and anxiety. Dr Pant would be available from 5 pm to 6 pm on phone number 9917979743. Dr Pant said that it is essential to remain mentally strong in the prevailing circumstance where the COVID-19 infection is spreading. He said in all the patients of the disease who have recovered from the infection, maintaining mental strength played a key role in their victory over the disease.
Dr Pant who incidentally is also an expert in psychiatry said that he has started a research on all healthy doctors and other staff members engaged in battle against COVID-19. In the research, the effect of the scare of disease on mental health is being studied.
“All frontline Covid-19 warriors are needed to be mentally strong. The research would help in formulating a policy to tackle the disease,’’ he said.