Music therapy the best way to heal COVID-19 patients; Medical experts

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Music therapy is considered as one of the best ways to heal patients of critical diseases by medical experts. But this concept is hardly seen in action even in the most advanced grade one hospitals. The initiative taken by a team of doctors and health workers in PPE kits of Silchar Medical College and Hospital on 'Kargil Victory Day' to celebrate the great occasion in the COVID ward by singing patriotic songs and dancing to its popular tunes together came for high applaud from the inmates of the ward and people in general. This not only boosted up the morale of the patients but also added a sort of rhythm and verve to their morbid life in the hospital.

The ward otherwise lying in isolation and considered untouchable got a festive spirit as if a great change has come. Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Vice Principal of SMCH, is all praise for the team of doctors, nurses and health workers for the initiative taken to celebrate Kargil Day and infuse in the patients the spirit of patriotism by keeping them in good humour, besides making them remember the sacrifices of the valiant Indian soldiers and offering them their tributes. Patients got rejuvenated by musical notes. Music has long been recognised as an effective form of therapy to provide an outlet for emotions.

Well known physician, Dr Manujendra Syam attached with the oldest women hospital of northeast, Narishiksha Ashram, said, "Music therapy is a form of healing. In advanced countries, the best of the state and private hospitals and nursing homes, patients apart from their medications are subjected to music therapy. In select hospitals of the country, which are classified as 5-Star, have music system with classical songs and tunes to cheer up the patients and sooth their sagging spirit." Music therapists admit it is treating the souls and spirits of patients.

Dr Kumar Kanti Das, renowned surgeon, said music therapy can help to relieve pain and reduce stress as well anxiety for the patients, resulting in psychological changes. This includes improved respiratory, lower blood pressure, improved cardiac output, reduced heart rate and relaxed muscle tension. Looking at the positive reactions of patients of COVID-19 ward of SMCH, it is being suggested that classical, devotional and patriotic music system can be an added option to keep the inmates in good humour. This can be introduced in all COVID hospitals.

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