Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow is using 'music therapy' to fight anxiety and depression among Covid-19 patients, who are being treated in isolation cubicles at the hospital. The hospital has installed a FM broadcasting based radio system in the common room that can be accessed by both patients and doctors.

Corona patients at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow, now wake up to a mix of Bollywood songs in their wards, every morning. The ward dedicated to COVID patients is in the women and child wing of the hospital which houses about 200 beds. For their treatment, the patients are provided with isolated cubicles. The speaker for music are placed on the nursing station that is in front of these cubicles.

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Doctor Srikesh Singh, spokesperson for the RMLIMS, said, "Anyone can come, listen and even dance a bit if they want. The songs are proving to be mood lifters and help in wiping off the melancholic atmosphere in the corona wards." After consulting with psychiatrists and psychologists, the Hospital came to the conclusion that it is very easy for the patients to think negatively in isolation and slip into depression.

Doctor Abhishek Shukla, an expert in geriatric medicine and founder of Aastha Geriatric Hospital, said, "Among elderly patients, music helps elevate the willpower, especially in times of sickness." Music therapy has not only helped in improve the mental health of the patients, the overall environment of the hospital has bettered.

Dr. Singh further added, "patients at times, were seen enjoying music individually on their phones so we decided to play music for all. It does not feel like a hospital when you wake up and listen to music. There has been a positive feedback not only from patients, but also the medical staff who feel relaxed even while working under tremendous pressure."

Music therapy is evidence based clinical use of musical interventions to improve the patients quality of mind and this was further confirmed by Doctor Devashish Shukla who works as senior psychiatrist with the RMLIMS. She said, "Music therapy has a positive impact on patients suffering from depression. With the current pandemic situation, anxiety levels go up, especially in patients suffering from corona. Hence, music will help to give patients the confidence they need for recovery."

The music is played at a low volume so that it does not disturb those wanting to take a nap during the day. At night, the radio is switched off so that patients can have a sound sleep.

Knock Knock

Since the coronavirus and its treatment has take a toll on the overall immunity and strength of people, it is also important to look after one's mental health which may deteriorate due to clinical or self isolation. Benefits of music therapy include improved heart rate, reduced anxiety, brain stimulation and improved learning. It will benefit not only the patients but also the medical staff who are working day and night under immense pressure.

With inputs from IANS