Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
Indian
Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) Panel discussion and Q&A on
COVID-19
Exclusive report to
Sada-e-Watan by Dr Habib Bhurawala (Health co-ordinator, ICSOA)
The Indian Crescent Society of
Australia (ICSOA) organised an online panel discussion and
question-answer (Q&A) session on COVID-19 disease and vaccines on Saturday
14th August 2021 in Sydney.
The online event was attended by many
Australians from diverse backgrounds, including representatives and office
bearers of various community organisations.
Mr Fasihuddin Khan, Secretary of ICSOA, welcomed
everyone and provided a brief update on the event's purpose, especially the
recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Sydney.
Mr
Abbas Raza Alvi, President of ICSOA, explained that the
objective and purpose of ICSOA is to integrate and have a collective voice for
Indian Muslims in Australia, representing them on Indian platforms in Australia
and contributing towards the welfare of Muslims in India. He further explained
the need to organise such interactive sessions with health experts to help
community members with any questions about COVID19 and vaccines.
Dr Soliman Qurashi, Sydney based
orthopaedic surgeon and member of the ICSOA health committee, welcomed and
introduced ICSOA Health Committee members who participated in panel discussions
such as Dr Abdul Ahad Khan (GP), Dr Zakir Akhunji
(Cardiothoracic surgeon), Dr Shakeel Abbas (Pathologist and haematologist) and
Dr Habib Bhurawala (Paediatrician). He also introduced health
experts such as Dr Mohamed Assoum
(Infectious disease epidemiologist and public health researcher), Dr Ali
Parappil (Respiratory and sleep physician), Dr Asif Raza (Intensive care and
anaesthesia specialist), Dr Ahmed
Al-Omary (General Medicine and infectious disease advanced
trainee) and Dr Fariha Dib (General
practitioner).
The question-answer session was moderated by Dr
Habib Bhurawala, Paediatrician and Health co-ordinator of ICSOA.
This session generated much interest from the audience.
The health experts
answered a wide range of questions covering topics ranging from signs and
symptoms of COVID19, an overview of various treatments are available for
COVID19, treatment for COVID19 in the intensive care unit (ICU), including
ventilators. They also explained the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing
hospital admission, ICU admission and death. They have strongly urged community
members to follow current recommendations about vaccination and avoid delays in
getting vaccinated to reduce their risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission
due to COVID19. They have clarified various myths and misconceptions regarding
vaccines and COVID19, especially questions about the safety and efficacy of
both Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccines. Experts clearly explained and reassured
the audience that the huge benefits provided by both currently available
vaccines in Australia (Astra Zeneca and Pfizer) far outweigh the small risk of
complications or adverse effects of vaccinations.
Community members were
also urged to not delay treatment for other chronic medical conditions due to
COVID19. The experts highlighted the impact of COVID19 on mental health. There
are various options to seek help from resources such as mental health helplines
and contacting GP if anyone is concerned about mental health. Community members
were urged to keep regular contact with friends and families who may be
experiencing stress and difficulties by reaching out and supporting each other
during this difficult time.
The seminar program concluded with a vote of
thanks by Mr Abbas Chelat, treasurer
of ICSOA.
