Rehabilitation Perspectives of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Authors

  • Taslim Uddin Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Tariqul Islam Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Hasna Raihan Rahim Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Faculty of Medicine, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka
  • Md Jahidul Islam Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
  • Md Shahdat Hossian Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Shahid Suhrawardy Medical college hospital, Dhaka
  • Md Israt Hassan Medical Officer, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka
  • Muhammed Abdullah Al Mamun Asstt. Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet
  • Mohammad Shawkat Hossain Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Chattogram Medical College Hospital, Chattagram
  • Mohammad Azizur Rahman Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh
  • Farida Khatun Chobi Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital, Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v38i0.47345

Keywords:

Rehabilitation, COVID-19, Bangladesh, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation.

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 has overwhelmed health systems across the countries globally. This pandemic has also impacted health related rehabilitation services worldwide which is particularly profound in low and middle-income countries including Bangladesh.

Methods: Information used in the study gathered from World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), online literature search using PubMed and PubMed Central research engines. Information also collected over personal telephone and email correspondence from the selected government, public, corporate, non-government institutes, and rehabilitation personals during the period of March-May 2020. Gathered data were analyzed; a set of challenges identified, and recommendations were made for a safe and standard working rehabilitation environment in the altered COVID-19 situation.

Results: Rehabilitation doctors and therapists at most of the public and private institutes are dedicated to COVID-19 services as per the local administrative directives keeping routine rehabilitation services apart. Few rehabilitation workforces to continue team works, environmental hygiene maintenance and space crisis at service outlets were the major challenges. Specially arranged virtual OPD and telerehabilitation services opened to minimize the rehabilitation burden and sufferings of the patient during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down restriction period.

Conclusion: COVID-19 seriously impacted the overall schedule of rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation must be recognized as an un-omissible part of COVID-19 management which requires a planned accommodative working environment in the altered situation within the health care system. Recommendations are provided to keep this pandemic contained while providing adequate and standard rehabilitation services to the disabled in the safe environment in line with WHO rehabilitation 2030.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 76-81

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Published

2020-06-12

How to Cite

Uddin, T., Islam, M. T., Rahim, H. R., Islam, M. J., Hossian, M. S., Hassan, M. I., Mamun, M. A. A., Hossain, M. S., Rahman, M. A., & Chobi, F. K. (2020). Rehabilitation Perspectives of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh. Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, 38, 76–81. https://doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v38i0.47345

Issue

COVID Supplement

Section

Special Communication

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