The medical fraternity in South India has been shocked by the directive issued by the University Grants Commission to the universities in the country to reopen colleges and resume undergraduate and post graduate courses by October 1.
“This is shocking and depressing. The Covid-19 pandemic has not been brought under control. The youngsters, particularly in the age group of 15 to 30 are the most vulnerable group as per the records. The Government is duty bound to keep the youngsters away from crowd and gathering because they are the priceless assets of this nation,” Prof B M Hegde, cardiologist of global repute who was the vice-chancellor of Manipal University told The Pioneer.
Prof Hegde, who could be the lone Indian medical doctor who has had first hand experience in treating patients of the 1968 Spanish Flu pandemic that attacked Britain, said that sacrificing academic life for few months would save one or two generations from post-Covid syndrome. “we should noty be the reason for our youngsters contracting the disease,” said Prof Hegde, who could be the only Indian doctor to have awarded fellowships from five medical universities in Britain.
Dr Padmanabha Shenoy, trauma care authority in Kochi says he was worried over youngsters developing post-Covid syndrome in the State.
“There are complaints of loss of memory among students and youths who were afflicted with Covid-19. This could be due to shrinkage of brain as a fall out of the Covid-19 attack and the medicines prescribed to bring the patient back to normal. The complaint has to be studied in detail before coming to any conclusion,” said Dr Shenoy.
Government medical doctors are also of the view that the issue was serious and should be studied in detail before taking decisions on reopening colleges. “Yes, on-line classes have many limitations. We also know that the student community is not happy with on-line course because they miss the vibrant atmosphere in schools and colleges. But the teachers and parents could convince them about the gravity of the situation,” said a senior Government physician.
Dr B Rajeev, Kerala’s leading Ayurvedic physician and researcher, said he had come across 15 graduate students who were complaining of memory loss following the Covid attack. “It could be temporary or long-term memory loss. But I am not ready to take chances with the future of these youngsters. Let’s continue with on line courses for some more time. The students can have their fun and frolic once it is established that the memory loss is temporary and curable. I know it is a cruel decision but that is the only way to save our future generation,” said Dr Rajeev.