It’s retirement for first ‘COVID Warrior’ from service

When the RMO (Resident Medical Officer) of the Thrissur General Hospital instructed Udhayan V.K. to bring the medical student from Wuhan University, the country’s first COVID-19 patient, to the isolation ward of the Thrissur Medical College Hospital on January 30, 2020, he did not hesitate. Udhayan had completed numerous such dangerous missions while working as an ambulance driver at General Hospital in Thrissur for more than 15 years.

“I was well aware of the gravity of the situation and the potential for infection.” An ambulance driver, on the other hand, will not hesitate in such a case. ” As a result, Udhayan became the country’s first frontline COVID Warrior, aside from the medical team that treated the COVID positive girl.

Since then, Udhayan has flown thousands of COVID-19 patients, including expats, migrant labourers, and patients in critical condition, during the last two years. “At first, COVID positivity was found in 99 percent of symptomatic people,” he noted.

Udhayan has not tested positive for COVID despite carrying so many patients. I’ve always taken extra precautions. I will disinfect myself and the vehicle after each journey. ” He wouldn’t even let people into his home. “I live in Koovakattukunnu, a small village near Melur in the Chalakudy district. The modest villagers congregate in close quarters. I didn’t want to jeopardise their safety. “

Udhayan is delighted to have been a part of the Health team that persevered during a challenging period as he departs on Tuesday (May 31) at the age of 56 after 17 years of service. “It makes me happy when people appreciate what I do,” he says. Udhayan, a bachelor, plans to continue volunteering after he retires.