In recent developments, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has begun gathering data on post-Covid-19 health complications from prominent government and private hospitals throughout India. DGHS is a well-regarded repository of technical knowledge pertaining to public health, medical education, and healthcare. It operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
DGHS and Medical Complications Post Covid-19
Physicians from various parts of India have noted concerning medical complications in patients who have recovered from Covid-19. This suggests that the stress exerted on the body by the virus can lead to both immediate and long-term health concerns. Currently, data is being compiled on complications such as Covid-induced diabetes, impairments to lung, heart, liver, and brain functions, and symptoms of acute fatigue and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
These findings will aid the Health Ministry in developing guidelines for the ongoing care and treatment of recovered patients.
Data Highlights: Understanding the Scope of the Disease
The collected data reveals that a significant 86% of the country’s Covid-19 cases were recorded in just 10 states. Notably, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu alone accounted for half of these. However, the recovery rate has seen a steady increase, climbing from 47.6% at the end of May to the present rate of 63.02%.
Trends in Recovered Patients and Lingering Symptoms
It has been observed that recovering from Covid-19 is a lengthy process. Complaints from recovering patients include feelings of lethargy, mental depression, and a decreased ability to concentrate.
Patients who developed pneumonia have reported improvements in lung function within months of recovery. However, some continue to suffer due to fibrosis, a condition where fibrous connective tissue develops in response to injury or damage. There also exists the potential for long-term deterioration of lung function and vascular diseases. In some cases, Covid-induced diabetes has been noted.
Understanding the After-effects of Covid-19
Damage caused by Covid-19 is linked to thrombosis in small vessels that can harm lung tissues and other organs, including the heart. This can potentially lead to a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, restricting normal blood flow through the circulatory system. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a specific condition where one or more arteries in the lungs become obstructed by a blood clot.
By collecting and analyzing this critical health data, DGHS hopes to further understand and mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on the Indian population.