Yesterday, during the evening shift, I was the only GP doctor on duty. Another doctor took the second half off. I was quite busy as there were more patients. At one point, from the ground floor reception (where a patient's name is registered), I got a call. There was a COVID19 suspected patient in the isolation room, which was also located on the ground floor. She was a Sri Lankan housemaid. There were a few other patients before her. So, I couldn't attend to her immediately.

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When her turn came, I went down (my chamber is on the first floor). Before entering the isolation room, her sponsor told me, "Doctor! She has all the symptoms of COVID19. But she is afraid of doing the PCR test. Convince her to do so". His approach delighted me. Usually, most of the sponsors do not want to spend a big amount on their housemaids or workers. And here, this sponsor wanted to spend 22 OMR (57 $) for her without even asking! I considered him as a caring sponsor for the housemaid.

I consulted her and indeed, she had symptoms suggestive of COVID19. I was able to convince her to do the test. Besides the PCR test, I needed to do a few other tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) at least which would help me prescribing medicines. (According to the trends in Oman) I also wanted to give her some injectable medicines and intravenous fluids for her body pain and lack of power. I thought her sponsor would agree. However, when I informed him about the investigations and injectable management, he denied doing so. I was kinda surprised. Then it occurred to me that he wanted to do the PCR test for their good, not for the well being of her. If he really would have cared about his housemaid, he would agree to do other tests and take the management.

At least, it appeared to me. Allah knows the best.

The End