As an MBBS doctor, my journey through the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Preparing diligently for the NEET-PG examination, scheduled for April 2021, only to have it deferred due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and political issues, was a significant setback. The frustration and hopelessness I felt were immense, especially after receiving admit cards and even visiting the test centre just days before the exam. The sudden indefinite postponement left me disheartened and directionless.

To cope with this unexpected turn, I rejoined Medica Hospital in Ranchi, where I had been working. With some spare hours on my hands, I sought advice from my mentor, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the HOD of Neurosurgery. He suggested I join Berlin Covid Care, a newly opened institution in Ranchi dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients. Intrigued and encouraged by the prospect of contributing to the pandemic response, I decided to explore this opportunity.

Berlin Covid Care had an interesting beginning, shrouded in rumours about its ownership. Many believed it belonged to Dr. Atri Gangopadhyay, a pulmonologist who had recently left Medica Hospital to join this new institution. However, after meeting with the directors, Dr. Ambuj and Dr. Pranab, I learned that it was not just a temporary setup but had long-term plans to evolve into a multispecialty hospital post-pandemic. They offered a handsome salary and agreed to my condition of splitting my time between Medica and Berlin Covid Care. The deal was struck, and I joined Berlin Covid Care on April 28, 2021.

The first day was as expected—full of introductions, new faces, and awkward silences. I met Dr. Ranjit, an influential Medical Officer closely associated with the directors, and Dr. Manish, a fresh MBBS graduate who joined for similar reasons as mine. The day passed uneventfully, but things took a dramatic turn on Day 2.

Arriving at the hospital, I was informed by Dr. Manish that one of our patients was deteriorating rapidly. Exhausted from a night shift at Medica Hospital, I found the staff panicking and unsure of what to do. Overwhelmed by frustration, I lost my temper and started directing emergency procedures. Despite our best efforts, the patient’s condition was too severe, and we lost him. This tragic incident was a turning point for me, igniting a determination to improve the hospital’s operations.

That day, I voiced my concerns about the lack of documentation and poor management, even addressing the director rudely. However, my outburst led to a productive meeting on the following Sunday, where we discussed necessary changes. We formed a dedicated team of medical officers, including Dr. Sharukh, Dr. Ranvijay, Dr. Rahul, and Dr. Ishant, all fresh graduates from various colleges. United in our mission, we aimed to transform Berlin Covid Care into a respected institution.

From then on, we focused on enhancing the skills and morale of the staff. We provided training sessions for nurses and support staff, ensuring they were well-prepared for emergencies. Gradually, the quality of services improved, and the hospital’s efficiency increased. Our GM, Mr. Badal, evolved from a source of friction to a valuable asset, while Mr. Ajay, the housekeeping head, and Mr. Parwez, the security head, performed their duties with dedication.

As the Nurses improved their skills, we planned to educate them, so that they do not panic at the time of emergency, but rather will be ready to handle such situations with their knowledge and skill. As we all know knowledge can boost your confidence at times of need, we started delivering regular lectures and sessions for the nurses as well as the support staff and slowly they started catching up.   

Our efforts paid off as we successfully treated over 200 patients in a month, with a mortality rate of less than 2%. This achievement was remarkable, considering the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. As the crisis subsided, the directors announced plans to remodel the hospital into a superspecialty institution, a vision we all looked forward to seeing unfold.

On May 31, 2021, we bid farewell to Berlin Covid Care with a heartwarming party organized by the management and staff. The delicious meal and the camaraderie made the occasion memorable. Reflecting on my time there, I realized how much I had learned and grown. The experience was invaluable, and I am grateful to Berlin Covid Care and everyone associated with it for making this journey unforgettable..   

As I move forward, I carry the lessons and memories from Berlin Covid Care with me, ready to face new challenges and opportunities. Thank you, Berlin Covid Care, from the bottom of my heart, for this enriching and transformative experience.