HOST:
We have come to see the famous surgeon of Kolkata, Dr. Anjan Dasgupta, for Gurudev's routine check-up. The check-up is complete. We are now with Dr. Anjan Dasgupta, and we would like to ask him about the current situation in the country. Doctor, greetings.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Greetings.
HOST:
What do you think about the current environment and the state of society?
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
We are living through an extraordinary time. We haven't seen anything like this in the last hundred years. This is a global pandemic—coronavirus, or COVID-19. It started in China and has now spread to nearly 188 countries.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
If we look at the statistics—and I must clarify, I am not a COVID specialist—but speaking from a social consciousness perspective, there are a few things I can say.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
First, there is no point in panicking. Panic creates an anticipation of danger, triggering a "fight or flight" response, causing hormonal imbalances, and turning one's internal energy completely negative. If we can collectively create positive energy instead, it will be much more beneficial for public health.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
The Role of Doctors and Health Workers
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
You will notice a common consciousness among doctors and health workers. Regardless of their level of expertise, all doctors work with the singular goal of making their patients well. Despite any criticism they may face, their internal drive is always the recovery of the patient. There is no alternative to this. I can understand the deep satisfaction of seeing a patient recover; to me, a patient's recovery is like seeing God. This is what keeps us going.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
The way doctors are working on the front lines is beyond praise. Society must remember this for the next hundred years so that, at the very least, the harassment of doctors stops. Doctors are risking their lives daily, working without sufficient protective equipment or with very limited resources. We are a developing nation; only about 0.8% of our GDP is spent on health, whereas a country like the US spends nearly 10%. Even in advanced countries like Italy, we see how many people are dying.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Understanding the Risks and Vulnerabilities
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
In the case of COVID-19, a large portion of the deaths occur among the elderly or those who are immunocompromised—those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, kidney failure, or high, uncontrolled diabetes. These individuals are at much higher risk. This is expected, as even common viral infections, fungal pneumonia, or tuberculosis claim many lives every year. In a country as large as ours, it is very difficult to control and contain everything.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Physical Distancing and Social Responsibility
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
The most important consciousness we need right now is physical distancing. When we say "social distancing," it might imply a lack of communication, but what we need is "physical distancing." Everyone should take the responsibility not to gather in crowds. We should maintain a distance of at least one meter (about 3.5 feet) when speaking.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
It is perhaps due to a lack of awareness that people are still roaming the streets. Some even accuse the police of being harsh. But why is the police doing this? They, too, are working on the front lines like doctors, spending day and night on the streets. We should think about them as well; they are our own brothers and sisters.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Psychological Well-being during Lockdown
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Instead of panicking, we should stay home and spend our time fruitfully. People spend millions to build houses, yet they find it difficult to stay inside them. They should try to enjoy their homes for a few days.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
There is, of course, a darker side—the economic shutdown. It is a harsh reality. A long lockdown could lead to increased suicide rates or crime. We need planning at the governmental and healthcare levels to address these issues. We are already getting calls from patients suffering from deep depression and insomnia—some worried about survival and food, and others frustrated by the confinement.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Geopolitics and Collective Energy
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
There are many debates about why this started in China, why they informed the world so late, or why the World Health Organization didn't act sooner. These are geopolitical matters that we shouldn't dwell on too much as common people.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
However, I believe that "thought is energy." We need to align our thoughts with universal energy. Gurudev can explain this better—how to use energy positively. For example, during the recent event where everyone lit lamps (Diwali-style), I wonder how many people actually prayed for the common good. Simply lighting lamps and celebrating isn't enough; if everyone in the country prayed together for even one minute, it would have a massive impact. This is a "beyond medicine" perspective. As humans, we have an inner power that needs to be awakened.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
I always tell people: "What you think, you become." If you think negatively, you get negative results. Stop inviting illness through constant negative thoughts like "What if I get it?" or "What will happen to me?"
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Symptoms and Medical Advice
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Most people will eventually develop what we call "herd immunity." This happens with most viral infections. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the common cold or flu—a scratchy throat, sore throat, and a dry cough. However, if fever, cough, and respiratory distress (shortness of breath) occur, one must immediately get tested for COVID-19. Testing allows us to screen the population and quarantine those who are positive.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Most people will recover. What isn't being highlighted enough is the high recovery rate. If you or I get it, we will likely be fine because we aren't immunocompromised. We need to focus on nutrition and vitamin supplements (Vitamin C, D, and A), which are incredibly important.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
I also want to mention Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). After reports suggested it could help, people rushed to buy it, making it unavailable for the healthcare workers who actually need it. If even 1% of India's population buys a medicine out of panic, the stock will vanish. Panic-buying helps no one.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Protecting the Vulnerable
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
I see people crowding at markets or shops. When the Prime Minister announced the lockdown, people rushed to the markets and emptied the shelves. This is unnecessary.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
If someone has a mild cold or fever, they should stay home and not go out to shop, unless they have absolutely no one else to help. Most importantly, stay away from the elderly. Deliver food to them, but do not enter their space. We might unknowingly carry the virus to them. In crowded areas or slums where ten people live in one room, containment is very difficult, and those areas should be carefully monitored.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Conclusion and Final Advice
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
The specialists working in critical care are doing their best to save lives. While ventilators are a major support, there are many technicalities involved.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Overall, stay positive and be pragmatic. Don't run around like mad on the streets. Eat simply; remember that the more you consume unnecessarily, the less there is for someone else. This is a lesson Gurudev taught me years ago—there are enough resources for everyone if we don't overconsume.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Maintain physical distance, wear a mask (even if it's not an N95), and be mindful of those around you. We will eventually develop immunity. In India, the virus seems to be undergoing genetic mutations, but we still need a collective effort—both spiritual and medical. Allopathic science is currently the only way to fight this acute situation, but public consciousness will take us further.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Avoid "Dr. Google." Searching for symptoms online only creates more panic. Too much information can be as bad as too little.
HOST:
Friends, today we brought Gurudev for a routine check-up and had the opportunity to speak with the renowned surgeon, Dr. Anjan Dasgupta. He spoke about the current social environment, the importance of distancing, and when to seek medical help. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by health workers, doctors, nurses, and the administration. Let's maintain this lockdown to prevent a catastrophe. Thank you, Gurudev. Thank you, Doctor.
GURUDEV:
Doctors are like a manifestation of God's work. When the "call" comes, we go to the doctor. They provide the treatment we need. While we pray in the temple, for physical ailments, we must go to the doctor. This pandemic is a reminder from Nature. We have played with Nature for too long, and now it is "shaking" us. We must align ourselves with the natural forces and stay positive. The collective consciousness can work wonders that panic cannot.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Yes, we see two patients with the same disease and the same treatment; one survives, and one doesn't. Some things are beyond medicine. But if we keep our minds strong and follow the protocols, we will overcome this. Stay safe.
HOST:
Pronam (Salutations), Gurudev. Pronam, Doctor.
DR. ANJAN DASGUPTA:
Pronam.