Frontliner Hero Doctor: 'Don't Let Guard Down Now'
Dr Tanuku from Suva, has been in Navua for almost a month caring for COVID-19 patients and those in isolation.
Tuesday 28 April 2020 | 13:00
A thumbs up all day everyday despite the COVID-19 crisis for Dr Solomone Tanuku at the Navua Hospital isolation centre. Photo: Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Don’t let your guard down and don’t be selfish, is the message from Dr Solomone Tanuku, a COVID-19 frontliner at the Navua Hospital.
“Continue to adhere to the safety measures and precautions imposed by the Ministry of Health, the Police department and other authorities,” Dr Tunuka said.
“Do not be selfish when making decisions, think of the greater good, think of your family and loved ones.”
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Dr Tanuku from Suva, has been in Navua for almost a month caring for COVID-19 patients and those in isolation.
He does not mind spending another one month at work. In his heart, he knows this is God’s calling and what he can do for his country.
His biggest responsibility is carrying out clinical diagnosis with his team and clinical care to the four patients confirmed with COVID-19.
“My experience working on the frontline has been nothing short of amazing,” he said.
“It has been a huge learning curve for me and has taught me responsibilities,” he said.
“I have been away from my family for a long time but I have been in that situation before with regards to being in medical school and internship training so it was familiar territory.
“I miss my family but my team of nurses and our attendant whom we were with kept me together.”
Before taking up the Navua posting, he made sure that his mother stopped working.
Dr Tanuku’s 64-year old mother is a nurse at a private health centre. He said had taken that measure because she commits daily on the public transport.
He said support from his loved ones was immense and was not hesitant when the job came his way.
“My fiance (also a medical professional) I must commend for being a strong individual, months apart both motivating each other every day and we are both playing our parts in the fight against COVID 19,” he said.
Engaged couple, Dr Priyanka Shristy and Dr Solomone Tanuku
The overall experience as a clinician has been something that Dr Tanuku would not ever forget.
With COVID-19, there was no room for error. And a realisation on how the simple act of washing hands and attaining the best hygiene practices could go a long way.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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