We are in the middle of a pandemic caused by a highly infectious virus COVID-19. This has surprisingly united the entire nation to combat and minimize the damage possible.
Political willingness is amazing and the synchronisation between essential service sectors is developed at a rate which probably could never be imagined.
During such unfavourable time phase, the concoctions of emotions present are plenty. The global situation also offers us an opportunity to show love and compassion to all including our domestic pets, abandoned animals in society and those in the wild. At such times, we should bridge our differences and come together for a common purpose which holds higher.
As a clinician we need to see it from a different perspective. Health Care Professionals could sense worry and anxiety which clings in the silence of empty hospital corridors and OPDs that use to be bustling with patients. I definitely do not have an answer as to how long will this lockdown continue but what we can do as medical professionals is to offer free help and consultations to people who need it.
A simple SMS or a WhatsApp message from their treating physicians can bring back the happiness for many in pain. This lockdown and the alarming spread of virus came all of a sudden and there was no time for preparedness.
Other diseases were there before and during COVID-19 and for such patients online consultations, telemedicine or some arrangements should be made. We need to think wider and help each other in such times.
Spreading hatred by few for own country mates related to profession, personal or religion should be discouraged as we do not know their side of the story. Police personnel and Doctors are living a difficult life by being away from family members for so long, we all see news channels showing inspirational stories of few of our colleagues.
People involved in ensuring smooth running of essential services are working tirelessly and for no additional benefits. I believe the love and cohesion stays even after the corona pandemic goes away and that will definitely make the world a better place to stay. We all should contribute and the attitude to support is the pressing priority.
As the title goes - Love will be passed in term of population boom and hatred will be seen in the form of increasing separation and divorce rates as we are not used to spend so much time together. The choice is ours.
(Dr Manoj Agarwala is a practising dermatologist at M A Skin & Hair Superspeciality Clinic, Raipur)