Challenges of non-COVID-19 patients with chronic illness during the pandemic

Abraham, Debi Ann; Vijayakumar, Thangavel Mahalingam; Rajanandh, Muhasaparur Ganesan

Challenges faced by non-COVID-19 patients with chronic illness are limitless during the lockdown period. These patients are mostly immunocompromised and vulnerable to infection. The worst affected would be chronic disease patients with lower household income. Patients' fear of approaching medical facilities and also travel restrictions limit the patients to reach the healthcare team, and either of this leads to poor health outcome. Frequent communication with chronic disease patients by healthcare professionals is a key to encourage the patients to be adherent to the medications and manage their disease conditions.