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.
