Local doctors from Greenside go the extra mile

The coronavirus spread has, among other consequences, challenged the country’s already strained healthcare system.

In response to these challenges, a group of doctors from the Greenside community came together to form the Greenside Oxygen (GO2) Covid-19 response initiative. As part of this initiative, a team of health professionals step in to provide oxygen therapy and care to patients at home; only when they are unable to find space in hospitals.

Speaking on behalf of the 13 doctors, Dr Zeenat Dadabhay said the team of doctors from the area who started this project receive assistance and support from non-profit organisations such as the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMA-SA) as well as the community. The doctor added that any patient from the areas of Greenside, Emmarentia, Victory Park, Linden, Roosevelt Park and Montgomery Park may access their services through a general practitioner (GP).

Dr Dadabhay said, “About two weeks ago we were increasingly worried at how quickly hospitals in Gauteng were filling up. Almost daily hospitals needed to be put on divert due to the surge in Covid-19 cases. Dr Shireen Dhoodat saw an initiative in Lenasia where they were providing oxygen and specialist support to patients at home who were infected with Covid-19 but could not get a hospital bed. She contacted a few of us and GO2 was born.”

She added that the work is completely voluntary and they all give of their own time, resources and expertise for the good of their community in the face of this unprecedented challenge. “We hope to provide a ‘plan C’ to patients who may benefit from oxygen treatment (as many patients with Covid-19 do) but cannot find a hospital bed. Patients must be referred by a GP and fulfil clinical criteria as set out by our team of physicians. If a patient qualifies, we send an oxygen concentrator, basic personal protective equipment, pulse oximeter and some more equipment to their home. Symptoms are monitored remotely by the GP who can then consult with a team of specialists for support and advice,” the doctor explained.

She added that they had also looked at education materials, psychological support and advice for patients and their families.

Community members can play a part by donating towards the procurement of more the mentioned equipment.

Details: To find out more about the donation process, email imasa.gauteng@gmail.com or Go2community@yahoo.com

Filler: Are there any Covid-19 projects in the pipeline in your community? Share them by email to naidines@caxton.co.za