Rachakonda: The severity of the second wave of Covid-19 has made the going very tough for all but not for the Rachakonda Police in Telangana! Instead of giving in to Covid-19 blues, they have armed themselves with necessary wherewithal and self-care mechanisms so that they continue serving the people against all odds. It is now talk of the town! 

Medicine packs, video calls with medical officers, and Rs 1 lakh reimbursement against medical bills, and Rs 5000 instant help from the Police Welfare Fund are just a few things from the long list of assistance being provided by the Rachakonda Police to Covid-19 positive police personnel. The model to provide Covid-19 care to cops was conceptualised and effectively implemented by the Rachakonda Police. Impressed with this, Telangana DGP M Mahender Reddy has issued instructions to replicate Rachakonda Police Covid-19 care model for cops across the State police force.  

“Covid-19 takes a toll on people's mental health. Regular sessions of counselling and support from other officials boost their morale. We want our men and women in khaki to know that they are not alone. We all are together in our fight against the coronavirus,” said IPS officer and Rachakonda Commissioner of Police Mahesh Bhagwat while talking to Bureaucrats India.

Rachakonda Police has a team of 6600 personnel. Over 1700 were positive but the recovery rate continues to be 100 per cent. It is because of the fact that every small little care that an infected person can require is ensured on time. Explained Bhagwat:  “As soon as a police officer tests positive, his or her name is added to the database. They are contacted and their proper counseling is done to keep them calm.”

“We also put them on a dedicated WhatsApp group of Covid-19 positive police personnel where they receive daily self-care tips. Within 24 hours a medical package with seven medicines and one kg of dry fruit is home delivered to them. Thrice a week senior officials including Bhagwat and the medical officer of the unit interact with the patients to keep their morale high,” he further said. 

The Covid-19 positive police personnel also get financial assistance. Rs 5000 from the Police Welfare Fund is deposited online in their account along with 14 days quarantine permission. They are also advised to get tested for lung infections, breathing problems and get a chest city scan done. In case they get admitted to the government hospital for further treatment, they get Rs 1 lakh reimbursement on their medical bills.

“With help of endocrinologists of Osmania Hospital and one more organization, we have identified 50 personnel with co-morbidities who are above 50 and have recovered from Covid-19. Their Vitamin D3 and arterial stiffness are measured. A 10-day long course of Vitamin D tablets and magnesium are given to them. This has helped in boosting their immunity,” added Bhagwat.

Rachakonda Police has also ensured a high vaccination rate. Almost 96 per cent of the police personnel out of 6600 have received the first dose and 75 per cent have received the second dose. It has rightly been said that where there is will, there is a way! /BI/

Written by Rajeev R and Sweta Bharti.