A learning experience of pandemic COVID-19 management at our medical institute

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel disease. OBJECTIVES: Our healthcare sector is at the epicentre of this unprecedented global pandemic challenge and we are not fully aware of it's management. Here we have discussed our learning experience in managing and tackling the COVID-19 pandemic at our institute which will set an example for other hospitals as well as instill confidence in our primary care physicians who are the frontline warriors. METHODS AND RESULTS: For combating COVID-19, dedicated teams for its management including logistic support was streamlined. Our capacity was built up for 200 isolation beds including 40 ventilator equipped beds and 645 defined quarantine rooms, to be implemented in phased manner. Till date more than 200 COVID-19 patients have been admitted here. Fever and cough were common presentations. Mortality was high in patients with advanced age or who had multiple co-morbid conditions. Efficient training and infection prevention control have resulted in a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: In the wake of this pandemic all hospital setup, with collective responsibility should follow a specified protocol so that our hospital is not converted to the hotspot. COVID-19 has imposed a new challenge where not only patients have to be managed but our health care workers also need to be protected. Telemedicine and our primary care physicians will play a crucial role. Here at a medical institute, medical teaching, and learning atmosphere has to be created amidst the pandemic apprehension for our budding medicos.