While pursuing my journalism studies in Kochi, I caught a glimpse of a five-star hotel. Later, during my time in Delhi as a journalist, I came across a five-star hospital. Fortis Escorts in Sarai Jullena was a five-star hospital, featuring interiors that resembled a hotel lobby. Having been accustomed to seeing Matador and Maruti Omni ambulances, I was taken aback by the sight of Mercedes-Benz ambulances racing through the streets. Furthermore, an employee there informed me about the existence of an air ambulance. This experience ignited my interest in visiting Fortis Escorts Hospital. There was a small entrance for hospital staff on the opposite side of the road. I managed to impress the security personnel and gained entry into the hospital under the guise of withdrawing cash from the SBI ATM located inside. I had never seen such a pristine and orderly hospital before. In the outpatient department (OPD), I noticed Africans and Afghan citizens seeking treatment alongside Indian elites. Ali Ekka, owner of Malabar Hotel, suggested the name of Holy Family Hospital while I was pondering whether my salary would be sufficient for medical care should I fall ill in Delhi.
At the onset of winter, I had a fever and sore throat. Ali Ekka had told me that tokens would be distributed in Holy Family Hospital at 7.30 am. I took a cycle rickshaw from Sarai Jullena to the hospital, where I observed a lengthy queue. As it was a new registration process, I purchased a form to fill out and joined the queue. I turned around upon hearing the question, "Can I get a token too, brother?" It was a lady I had encountered at the Malabar Hotel. Before I could respond, she handed me ₹150 along with a yellow diary. The lady mentioned ENT and then walked away. The queue gradually diminished. Eventually, it was my turn. The registration fee was ₹200, and the doctor fee was ₹150. I received token number 25, along with the receipt and OP card – a yellow diary from the counter. Then, out of nowhere, the lady who had given me the cash to obtain the token showed up. I handed her the token for ENT, as well as the receipt and diary. She thanked me for the assistance and was about to leave when I enquired about her place of employment. I was surprised to learn that she was a nurse at Escorts Hospital. When I asked her why she did not seek treatment there, she laughed and replied that she would have to pay half of her salary for it.
After having breakfast at the Malabar Hotel, I arrived at the OPD of Holy Family Hospital by 10 am. By the time token 25 appeared on the digital signboard, it was already 12 pm. After enquiring about the patient's medical history, the doctor recorded the prescribed medication in the yellow diary. He handed back the diary, indicating that he had prescribed antibiotics for a duration of five days. Upon reaching the pharmacy, I encountered another lengthy queue. I presented the diary and purchased the medications. By the time I reached Malabar Hotel, meals were over. I opted for a biryani parcel and headed to my apartment. Unbeknown to me, the yellow diary was becoming a part of my life.
The harsh winters and air pollution in Delhi were periodically causing health issues. However, Thambi Chettan, the proprietor of Kerala Hotel, appeared to be least bothered. Having lived in Delhi for three decades, he advised that proper winter attire is essential to avoid getting sick. He recommended wearing thermals, followed by a shirt, a sweater, and a jacket if needed. The dress code has proven to be somewhat effective in making the harsh Delhi winters more tolerable.
In the meantime, I observed that none of the individuals in Fasil's apartment had sought hospital care for health issues. Following a thorough investigation, it came to light that they were all avoiding hospitalisation thanks to the prescription of Juna, a nurse at Escorts Hospital who was residing in the adjacent room. Juna, possessing extensive knowledge in medical science, rose to fame as Dr Juna B.Sc. (N), ½ MBBS.
One chilly morning, I was alarmed to notice blood coming from my nose, prompting me to visit the ENT specialist at Holy Family Hospital. The doctor reassured me that this was a common occurrence during winter for some individuals and prescribed nasal drops, easing my concerns. I was startled when I later saw on Google News that the nighttime temperature had dropped to 1.5°C. On another occasion, I visited Holy Family Hospital due to a stomach ache caused by consuming stale fish from Malabar Hotel. The doctor enquired whether I had eaten anything from the hotel the day before. He became silent upon hearing my response that I had been living on restaurant food for many years.
As the familiar doctors at Holy Family began to disappear, I made my way to Al Shifa Hospital located in Abul Fazal Enclave. I relied on the phat-phat auto, paying ₹15 for a ride to the hospital. I was down with a cold and severe throat pain. While noting down my medical history, the doctor asked about my home state. When I revealed that I am a Keralite, he recalled his visit to Kannur and humorously asked what people from God's own country are doing in the world's most polluted city. The doctor even suggested that I should try to get out of Delhi if possible.
Years later, amidst the Covid pandemic, I visited Fortis Escorts, the five-star hospital, to receive the Covishield vaccine. As I bid adieu to Delhi, I abandoned the yellow diary at room number 201 in Sarai Jullena. In the Holy Family Hospital OPD, patients might still be waiting impatiently for their token number to appear on the digital signboard.
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