The lessons we garnered during the pandemic are now assets, says Dr. Raja Dhar
In a conversation with ET Edge Insights, Dr. Raja Dhar from the C.K. group of hospitals, Kolkata, shares his views on India’s pandemic recovery and potential to fight against such future tragedies.
Amid COVID, pulmonologists faced tough times, supporting people through traumas. How was this experience, and how do you see the country’s recovery from this tragedy?
It was undeniably a challenging period. The scenes were surreal, with fogged glasses in the midst of chaos. The constant inflow of ambulances carrying deceased individuals, further worsened by personal tragedies among family and friends, were undoubtedly difficult times. Yet, amidst the difficulties, a sense of ownership emerged. Throughout the COVID crisis, we felt like frontline warriors, akin to soldiers in a battle. This brought invaluable recognition to our specialty. While this came at the cost of much suffering and even the lives of some colleagues, the ultimate turnaround against the pandemic showcased our resilience and equipped us with a sense of purpose and expertise. The lessons we garnered during the pandemic are now assets. We have learned things that are bound to stand us in good stead in the days ahead.
India’s successful emergence from the pandemic was notably attributed to the vaccination developed, driven by crucial medical research. As part of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), how do you envision the future of research in India?
Medical research, particularly in lung diseases and pulmonology, has made significant strides. Around 15 Indian pulmonologists rank among the top 2% globally in terms of research and publications which is an impressive achievement. Moreover, India has secured the fifth position in overall medical publications in the past three years. Original research is booming, with leading journals from all over the world featuring Indian papers. For instance, our research on bronchiectasis saw publication in journals like The Lancet and the European Respiratory Journal, incorporating data from approximately 2,500 patients across the country. This cutting-edge research extends to various fields, including bronchiectasis. The new generation of clinicians is combining clinical practice with a keen interest in advancing research. These are promising times for India’s medical landscape. Even during the COVID crisis, numerous papers from India were published. Additionally, India’s initiation of pharmacological trials during the pandemic was marked as a noteworthy step.
The foundation of a good doctor is established during medical school. Given your deep regard for academia, how do you perceive the current upbringing of medical students? What improvements do you envision for their education and development?
When considering medical training, we can divide it into two distinct segments: undergraduate and postgraduate. Presently, the annual intake of MBBS students reaches around a lakh. However, a significant challenge lies in the absence of consistent training standards, spanning both undergraduate and postgraduate phases. To address this, our collective effort, supported by government collaboration, should focus on establishing uniformity in training. Whether a student is trained in a tertiary care institution or a tier two or three city, basic virtues must remain consistent. In shaping the future of postgraduate training, a separate approach is warranted. This arena demands hands-on experience, particularly for surgeons and physicians, necessitating innovative interventions. Virtual reality platforms emerge as a promising solution, aligning with the global trend. Traditional learning, predominantly centred around patients, now raises ethical concerns due to practicing on individuals who are unwell. Implementing virtual reality platforms and simulated training using manikins can revolutionise postgraduate education. This transition can ensure uniformity in learning experiences across the nation, offering a higher standard of training.
Considering the significance of patient well-being alongside medical education, how well-prepared is India for future health crises, given the lessons from post-COVID experiences?
Demonstrating remarkable foresight and determination, India has successfully vaccinated 90% of its vast population of 140 crores with at least one dose, setting an inspiring global example. This achievement has infused an increased awareness and participation in adult vaccinations against various diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, shingles, and hepatitis. As for preventive medicine, the incorporation of new vaccines, particularly for respiratory viral illnesses like COVID, stands as a pivotal strategy to prevent potential future pandemics. Plus, the paradigm of remote patient care, facilitated by online platforms, has proven invaluable, especially in a geographically dispersed country like India where specialised medical care is often scarce. Drawing from the lessons of the pandemic, it’s imperative to maintain a state of preparedness. Conducting periodic nationwide drills can fortify our readiness to address potential outbreaks. While we hope to avoid another pandemic in our lifetime, the possibility of encountering epidemics remains.
