My Experience in DCIP: Working in the Nipah Cell, 2018

In 2018, I had the unique opportunity to be part of the District Collector’s Internship Programme (DCIP) in Kozhikode, during the Nipah virus outbreak. It was a time of fear, uncertainty, and immense responsibility for everyone involved. I was assigned to work with the Nipah Cell, and the experience turned out to be one of the most memorable and meaningful chapters of my life.

Nipah work started at the Health Department in the Collectorate, where we were given the responsibility of calling patients and their relatives to inquire about their health conditions — particularly whether they had symptoms like fever or cold. Every phone call was critical because even the smallest detail could help prevent the spread of the virus.

Soon after, we were shifted to the PWD Guest House in West Hill, where the Nipah Cell was actively operating. It was  the very nerve center of all operations, with dedicated teams working round the clock. I had the privilege of working alongside experienced doctors like Dr. Jayasree and Dr. Anu who inspired me with their tireless efforts and calm composure amidst the crisis. Also our mentors Prakash sir, Sabith sir, Binoy sir and Suresh sir helped a lot.

The then Kozhikode District Collector, U. V. Jose Sir, personally visited our team to oversee the operations and motivate us. His presence gave us a sense of reassurance and reminded us of the importance of our work in containing the outbreak.

One of the most unforgettable moments during my internship was when I called Ajanya's  mother. Ajanya was a Nipah survivor, and I remember feeling so relieved and happy when her mother told me that Ajanya was fine and recovering well. That phone call remains etched in my memory as a small but powerful reminder of why we were all working so hard.

There was one tense moment when we discovered that a patient had attended a wedding ceremony with nearly 100 people present. We had to contact every single person who attended that wedding to check if they had developed any symptoms . It was an intense and exhausting effort, but it showed how much teamwork and communication mattered in such situations.

Our work did not go unnoticed. Photos of our team working in the Nipah Cell were published in newspapers like Mathrubhumi and Malayala Manorama. Seeing our pictures there was a proud moment for all of us, as it felt like a small acknowledgment of our hard work during those stressful days.

During that time, we had no free moments. The days were filled with calls, follow-ups, and coordination. It was challenging, but I never once felt tired because we knew our work could save lives.

The DCIP internship at the Nipah Cell in 2018 was not just a professional experience for me but also a deeply personal one. It taught me the value of teamwork, dedication, and compassion. Most importantly, it showed me how ordinary people — when united — can face extraordinary challenges.