~ Clinics will help patients who have recovered from COVID-19, but are suffering from persistent effects ~

 Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, today announced the launch of Post-COVID Recovery Clinics. The Post-COVID Recovery Clinics will address the rising number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, but are suffering from the mid and long term persistent effects of the infection. Over 40% of COVID patients suffer from problems that include breathlessness, chest pain and heart issues, joint pains, neurological problems, for months after contracting the novel coronavirus. The Post-COVID Recovery Clinics will be manned by a team of specialists to help patients deal with the aftermath of COVID-19 and restore them to health.

Dr. Laxman Jessani, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “Many patients who have recovered from COVID-19, have been contacting us for symptoms that they are having. To address these health issues faced by patients who have recovered from COVID-19, we have started the Post-COVID Recovery Clinics. These exclusive clinics for post-COVID care will help patients to connect to the specialised care that they need. We have laid down the guidelines and have trained the clinicians to ensure that patients get the correct treatment. The clinics will help patients recover from the consequences of COVID-19.”

COVID-19 impacts almost all the vital organs in the body. Apart from acute events like stroke and myocardial infarction, chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are part of the post-COVID syndrome. A number of sudden deaths in post-COVID patients have been reported and most of these are attributed to acute cardiac events.

Dr. Jayalakshmi TK, Consultant, Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “COVID-19 attacks not just the lungs but other organs in the body and leaves behind lingering health issues. Some of the manifestations occur weeks and months after the treatment for acute phase is completed and patient has recovered and impact the well-being of individuals beyond the acute phase. While longer-term problems are more common among patients who have been hospitalized, even patients who have recovered from a mild case can suffer from the prolonged effects of the virus. Some of the long-term effects may be severe. This specialized clinic will enable us to monitor symptoms of patients on an ongoing basis and delivery timely medical attention.”

Santosh Marathe, COO & Unit Head, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “Before COVID-19, we were already facing a tsunami of Non communicable diseases and that challenge is further aggravated by the current pandemic. The post-COVID syndrome is adding to this disease load and if not addressed with a special focus will lead to an increase in larger health issues of chronically ill individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. We have already seen around 250 COVID-19 recovered patients in the OPD who have complained about difficulties post COVID recovery which is why these specialised clinics will address acute components of the post-COVID syndrome from progressing further. Apart from offering a Convalescent Plasma screening & donation program in collaboration with NMMC, Apollo Hospitals offers a patient-focused, comprehensive, tele consult and clinic based program for COVID treatment.”