Clinics report huge rush as people line up for long-delayed treatments

Dentists, ophthalmologists and other specialists are reporting a glut of patients who want to get procedures done before the predicted third wave of COVID-19

Janaki G.S., a homemaker and senior citizen, had been waiting anxiously for easing of lockdown restrictions. Her dentures had broken over two weeks ago and there was no way of fixing it since dentists had shut shop. “I spent two harrowing weeks eating soft food, like idli and ragi mudde apart from liquids. The first thing I did on Monday was to go to my dentist,” she said. With COVID-19 cases on the decline and restrictions relaxed, hospitals resumed elective procedures and physical consultations after over two months on Monday. Dentists, ophthalmologists, orthopaedicians and other specialists are reporting a glut of patients and long wait for appointments.