The world is reeling under the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. There are, however, a few countries that have flattened the curve and Qatar is one of them. During these distressing times, some Nepali expatriates, who were infected with the virus and later recovered in Qatar, has some encouraging words to share.
They recently spoke to 'Gulf Times' about their Covid-19 experience, quarantine care and recovery process. Excerpts:
Neema Bhusal
Before going for the test, I was prepared to face the result. After I received the test result, I told my friends and co-workers that I was corona positive. I stayed in the quarantine facility of my company, Mechanics Quarantine at Salwa Road, for 15 days. The period became a time for me to introspect, and to know myself. I talked to my family members over phone. I talked to my school friends. I used to talk for three to four hours a day. In quarantine, I remembered my childhood, school, and friends. After 17 years, I wrote a poem. I was not unhappy in quarantine. The only symptom I had was body ache.
The reason that I went for testing was that I had met a person. The person was later tested positive. I and my roommate went for tests. My roommate tested negative. I want to thank Qatar. The quarantine facility was well-equipped with all the basic amenities. I am a vegetarian. They ordered and provided food accordingly. I used to listen to motivational talks provided by the Red Crescent and used to exercise. My suggestion for all is that we should maintain social distance everywhere. Those who have underlying diseases should be more careful. The rate of coronavirus infection has gone down in Qatar. Things are becoming normal.
Karim Baks Miya
I am the president of Federation of Nepali Journalists Qatar. I had submitted an application of leave in the first week of April. I wanted to go to Nepal. The air travel to Nepal was soon closed. So, I had to stay here. From April 2, I was feeling unwell with little fever and some cold. I went to the clinic for checkup. It was getting better. On April 9, I had fatigue, fever and difficulty in breathing. I called the hotline and they tried to assure me that my symptoms were not related to coronavirus according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). But, I did not feel confident. So, I called an ambulance. I was taken to a swab test centre in Al Baqarah. Medical professionals took my swab, and I was put in a waiting quarantine facility. At midnight, I was referred to a hospital in Sanaiya. Doctors said that my symptoms were serious. I was put in the ICU ward. I stayed at the same hospital for 16 days. On the 17th day, I was transferred to a quarantine centre. I was discharged on the 41st day. Doctors had said my lungs were seriously damaged by the infection. I had pneumonia. When I knew that my condition was worse, I had lost hope of getting well. It was a surreal experience. I cried. But, doctors assured me that my condition would become better and suggested that I should not lose confidence. Thanks to Allah and the well-equipped hospital and competent medics, I became normal. I know that there is no medicine or vaccine for corona but I strongly feel that I was cured because of medicines and care provided by doctors and nurses in Qatar.
Shiva Bhujel
I am the president of Nepali Indigenous Society Qatar. I was tested positive with coronavirus on April 12. At first, I was nervous. The number of deaths across the world came to my mind. Would I be the one who succumbed to the virus or would I be the one who successfully battled the virus? These questions haunted me. To my surprise, my body did not show any symptoms. I was put in a quarantine facility at Hamad Hospital for 14 days.
The Qatar government’s response to the pandemic and its successful treatment and management of every single patient is commendable. As there were no symptoms, I was asked to take medicines only to boost my immunity. I was tested negative on the 15th and 16th days. Thereafter, I was allowed to go home. Hospital officials asked me to download the Etheraz app on my mobile phone. I applaud the measures taken by the Qatar government in combating the coronavirus. I want to tell everyone that if you are tested positive, do not panic because the hospitals are world-class and well-equipped. I would also urge the people to maintain social distancing.
Sabitri Lamichane
I had symptoms of fever and cough. I went to the hospital for a checkup and was tested positive with corona. I was admitted to the hospital. I stayed at the hospital for 14 days. I was confident that I was getting better. I want to thank all the hospital staff for my recovery. Even if I am an expat, I get world-class treatment and care. I want to urge all to follow social distancing rules and to wear masks. If you are infected, do not panic because the Qatar government will take care of you and will provide you with world-class treatment and care.
Ishwor Kafle
I am the president of Basanta Film Private Limited. I had headache, fatigue, fever, nausea and diarrhoea. I stayed at home quarantine. Doctors and nurses used to call me, and ask about my conditions on a daily basis. I followed all the relevant rules and protocols. Additionally, I used to work out for an hour and drink three litres of hot water. During my quarantine, I avoided social media to keep myself away from the negative news. The response of the Qatari government was commendable. Even if I was home quarantined, doctors and nurses frequently inquired about my condition. I am happy and proud that I am in Qatar.