More on Covid-19

MUMBAI: Equipped with nothing more than a N95 mask and regular hand gloves, at the frontline of the city's coronavirus containment measures is a bunch of young medical students. They are screening thousands of passengers, many from affected countries, arriving at the Mumbai International Airport daily, leaving aside personal and family fears of contracting a disease the world is still learning about.Over 2.17lakh travellers have been screened at Mumbai international airport since January 18. Posted at the airport since March 6, Dr Tushar Gaikwad said he was concerned about the virus but understands that the country needs help to contain the global pandemic. Having recently completed his MBBS, Dr Gaikwad is awaiting a postgraduation seat. "My family worries about me but I assured them we take every precaution," said the Solapur native, who is with the R N Cooper Hospital.At least 45 doctors pursuing medical education at civic hospitals have been posted at the airport to screen people arriving. The doctors are supported by an equal number of paramedics and medical social workers to man six screening desks at T2.Each desk is monitored by at least two doctors and three to four paramedics, in three shifts, the 8pm-8am graveyard shift being longest and busiest. Armed with an N95 mask provided by their institution and gloves by the airport authorities, each doctor meets 30-50 travellers depending on the number of travellers arriving at the airport."Our primary role is to shift through self-declaration forms and check passengers with high body temperature. In patients exhibiting symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, throat irritation, we also carry out an oral examination. Finding us at counters, many come forward to discuss symptoms," said Gaikwad.Vile Parle boy Dr Abhinav Mishra, who is in between MBBS and starting PG education, said he has been posted at the airport for nearly a week. "We were scared for the first few days," he said.Additional municipal commissioner Suresh Kakani said around 45 doctors and 50 paramedics have been posted at airports. "They are doing a great job. No staff have developed symptoms," he said.