Coronavirus: healthcare provider launches Covid-19 support group for Dubai patients

The service launched by Aster Hospitals will aid the mental and physical recovery of patients

The Cosmos support group will aid patients being treated for Covid-19. Courtesy: Aster Hospitals UAE

A major UAE healthcare provider has launched a support group to help patients overcome the mental and physical toll of battling Covid-19.

The service from Aster Hospitals UAE - part of the Aster DM Healthcare network of medical facilities in the Emirates - is aimed at patients facing up to the challenges of being placed in isolation away from family and friends and sets out to aid their rehabilitation and provide mental health support when needed.

The Cosmos initiative - which stands for ‘circle of strength, master of self - will offer a platform to patients being treated at Aster hospitals to take part in education sessions and stay connected to doctors, dietitians and family members through online applications.

The group was launched at an event held at Aster Hospital, in Al Qusais, Dubai, attended by recovered Covid-19 patients.

The Cosmos group will be in place at the four Aster Hospitals in Dubai, in Mankhool, Al Qusais, Jebel Ali and Muhaisnah.

A dedicated team will be tasked with raising the spirits of patients recovering in isolation, helping them manage feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness, and will offer a raft of support services including physical therapy and nutrition advice as well as counselling after patients have been given the all-clear and discharged.

“We have seen our patients go through various levels of mental stress - anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression brought about by separation from families and loved ones, and uncertainty regarding the outcome from this disease," said Dr Sherbaz Bichu, Chief executive of Aster Hospitals UAE, who launched the group.

"Many of them are expats with families back in their home country who are even otherwise constantly worried. For them, sustained motivation and support in channeling their emotional stress is a key factor in the holistic recovery process.

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"Patients who have undergone long periods of intensive care often require psychological support and nutritional diet to regain strength and psychological normality. Cosmos is our effort to ensure that our patients return home completely healed.”

Dr Malathi Arshanapalai, group chief medical and quality officer at Aster DM Healthcare, attended the launch session.

"It is a truly humbling experience to see our recovered patients attend this session and share their journey with Aster Hospitals," said Dr Arshanapalai.

"It gives me immense pleasure that we are able to go beyond medical treatment and support our patients in their holistic recovery."

The Cosmos group will offer education sessions, a chance to converse with others and interactive games in designated lobbies with the Covid-19 area of hospitals.