Female Health Workers Brave COVID Pandemic

Mohali, March 7, 2022: Women are the cornerstone of a healthy society and undergo great lengths to work towards its betterment. To commemorate Women’s Day, the female nursing staff at Fortis Hospital Mohali shared the numerous struggles they faced during the pandemic, which includes long stretches of work in PPE kits and staying away from the family for weeks together.

Much akin to the theme of International Women’s Day-2022, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, we delve into the lives of the women nursing fraternity at the hospital during the COVID pandemic.

Madhavi Chikhale, Chief of Nursing, Fortis Mohali, is an epitome of confidence. Sharing her struggles faced during the pandemic, she said, “The Covid-19 pandemic was a tough time as I had to manage more than 300 nurses and assigned them to covid wards. I was away from home for weeks at a stretch as I had to plan for patient welfare and remain available 24×7 for the nursing team. I kept the staff motivated at all times who showed exemplary courage wearing PPE kits which gave them bruises and scars.  I’m deeply committed to patient service and every recovery brought me a ray of hope.”

Sharing her experience, Rajbir Aulakh, Deputy Chief of Nursing, Fortis Mohali, said, “I undertook multi-tasking during the Covid pandemic and nursed patients in the Emergency Ward. I also encouraged my nursing staff to put patient care as their priority. I once contracted the virus and fell sick. My mother and brother also reported positive. I got admitted to the ICU and could not attend my mother’s funeral. But I was back to work soon despite the challenges.”

Recalling the pandemic, Harjit Kaur, Assistant Chief of Nursing, Fortis Mohali, said, “I joined Fortis Mohali in 2001 and ever since patient care is my motto. I have nursed patients in the Emergency Ward, ICUs and general wards during the pandemic. In the midst of this, I also had to look after my 14-year-old daughter and elderly parents. I managed it all with ease.”

Gurprit Kaur, Emergency In-Charge, Fortis Mohali, said, “The pandemic was an eye-opener for all of us.  Despite facing the physical discomfort of wearing PPE kits, I looked after patients in the Emergency Ward. I also offered emotional support to patients to help them tide over the tough time.”

Echoing a similar view, Neeru, ICU In-Charge, said, “Wearing PPE kits for 6 hours, doing double shifts and catering to patients taught me a great deal. I have a 3-year-old daughter who needed me too, but patient care was always my prime concern. Seeing a patient recover and leave the hospital was a big satisfaction and I felt blessed.”