Her own kid home, she nurses others’ in NICU

Ritika Arora Bhola

While the entire nation is under lockdown due to outbreak of deadly coronavirus and people have been advised to stay at home and quarantine themselves, there are a few who are still working passionately, risking their lives to save others.
One among many is this young mother of a five-year-old boy who works as nursing officer in a government hospital. She takes care of new-borns, toddlers and grownup kids in NICU. Talking about the current situation, she says, “I had plans to move abroad to be with my husband in Canada in March but due to the spread of this virus, my son and I are stuck. But I have not taken a break from my job. I am doing all shifts — morning, afternoon and night — as it is an emergency situation worldwide.

Sonal Arora
Nursing officer
Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, East Delhi
Morning, evening and night shifts in NICU

We can’t take leaves and work throughout the day. So far we haven’t registered any positive case of coronavirus in this hospital but yes, we do have isolation wards, corona test kits and other equipment required in case of any emergency. From the past two months, we have been getting trained to treat corona patients. It’s a national emergency and we are being prepared for everything that comes our way. God forbid, if a corona affected patient comes, we have wards and medical equipment ready.”
Arora further adds, “Like all mothers, I’m too scared for my kid and take all necessary precautions — from washing hands thoroughly to wearing gloves and maintaining social distance with colleagues, maintaining hygiene at home and workplace, keeping sanitiser at hand all the time. I’m doing all I can to make sure my child and I are safe. As soon as I reach home, I wash my face and hands and then come close to my son and other family members. Rest it’s all in God’s hands. I am serving my country and I am proud of it.”