Fighting a pandemic is a team effort. No one understands this better than the support staff at RDT’S Bathalapalli Hospital. Like medical workers, they have to don the PPE for long hours so that they can protect themselves and others inside wards, in the hallways and around the hospital. They are putting their lives at risk by being on the frontline and fighting the virus.

When the Rural Development Trust (RDT)’s hospital was designated as an exclusive COVID-19 Healthcare Center, many of the staff members resigned. Some left out of fear, others were forced to by threats and stigma from their neighbors. But some remained, undeterred against all odds.

One of them is 29-year-old Parthu Saridha, who was one of the first among the support staff to enter the COVID ward when the initial patients arrived. On August 15th, when RDT COVID-19 Hospital was recognized by the Government of Andhra Pradesh as one of the best private COVID-19 hospitals in the state and for having the best support staff, Parthu attended the ceremony in Vijayawada and accepted the honor on behalf of the RDT support staff team.

How did you feel when the Government of Andhra Pradesh declared that RDT Hospital is the Best COVID-19 Hospital and has the Best Support Staff? How was the event in Vijayawada?

I was delighted when I first heard the news. It is not due to the efforts of just one or two people, but everybody here. Each and every staff member in the hospital has contributed to receiving this recognition.

I felt happy about attending an event where the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy and other state dignitaries were present. It was an honor to receive the certificate on behalf of the support staff, but I was also a bit upset that not everybody could be there because this award belongs to everyone.

Parthu receiving the award for Best Support Staff from the Special Chief Secretary, Health Medical & Family Welfare Dr. K.S. Jawahar Reddy ©RDT

How did you feel when the Bathalapalli Hospital was declared as a COVID-19 Healthcare Center?

After the first announcement was made, I was afraid and nervous but at the same time I tried to be confident that I will be able to continue at my job because I am familiar with the work and the space. Regardless of the situation, COVID or not, this is RDT Bathalapalli Hospital where I have been working for the past 10 years.

My family was initially afraid for me, but I shared the information that we received at the hospital with them. After that, they supported my decision to continue working. My father’s support was especially important to me and he kept me motivated.

Also, I was not alone. Some of my colleagues, especially my friend Gangadhar – we supported each other in the initial days during duty hours.

A lot of your colleagues resigned after the hospital’s designation. Did you try to speak to them? What were your thoughts about this situation?

Those working on COVID duty have faced discrimination. More than worrying about myself and my chances of being infected, I was nervous about how my neighbors and other people in my village would treat me knowing that I work here.

Those who resigned chose to do so because they were fearful of the stigma that they were already receiving, and I can understand their decision. Although we had discussions and I tried to encourage them, it was difficult for some to stay because of the threats of eviction and other warnings. Early in the pandemic, when villagers learned that somebody has been working on COVID duty, they would not allow them to enter the village regularly.

Parthu and his Gangadhar, who were few of the staff who continued working in the initial period of RDT being a COVID Hospital ©Felita Viegas/RDT

Did you face the same threats? What was your reaction and how did you cope with it?

I received the same warnings as my colleagues. The elderly people in the village and even the Sarpanch asked me not to continue at my job. I shared the information I had about the virus and told them that I have received a lot of support from RDT and that I don’t want to leave my work in this crucial time. We finally agreed that I would stay on the hospital premises and visit my family in the village once a week.

Now people have become more aware of the situation and so I go home every day. I am thankful for my family. Because of their support, I was able to stand my ground and continue working.

How are the people treating you now?

With the rising cases, everybody has realized that we need to support one another. Now people trust me because I work at the hospital. They know that if they or any of their family members get infected, they can reach out to me and find out what to do. They now treat me as a resource for the village.

The certificate that Parthu received on behalf of the Support Staff of RDT Hospital. ©Felita Viegas/RDT

Has 6 months on COVID duty affected you mentally? Does it get tiring?

Sometimes when it gets too exhausting, we do take leaves. As the cases are rising, the stress and our burden of work also increases. At the same time, I am also aware that a lot of people are struggling and that this is the time to reach out and do our best. I feel happy doing what I do, and I know that if anything happens, I can count on RDT’s support.

Pictures and Text: Felita Viegas, adaptation Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA