It is disheartening to say that the country that houses nearly 133 crore people is unable to provide them with basic healthcare facilities and lodging. It’s not just the remotest parts of the country that lack the presence of a hospital or sometimes, a medical clinic. Recently, a report published in Mumbai Mirror highlighted the country’s grave reality.
The news article highlighted how Mumbai, the business capital of the country was unable to provide shelter to the cancer patients that come here to seek medical help. Several cancer patients coming from different corners of the country to get treatment at Tata Memorial hospital were seen living under Mumbai’s Hindmata flyover.
Among them were those who recently underwent surgeries and were instructed to stay away from dust and take complete bed-rest.
Incredible India 🇮🇳 In the absence of affordable accommodation,accommodation poorest of poor patients taking treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel make the space under Hindmata bridge their home
Read my today’s cover page story— https://t.co/mDDgd0cLPr
PC -Sachin Haralkar pic.twitter.com/MIg3pVbah4— Lata Mishra (@lata_MIRROR) January 15, 2020
However, the unavailability of accommodation in the hospital and lack of money to rent space anywhere else forced these patients to make the area under the flyover, their temporary residence.
These people had to burn the midnight oil and fitfully sleep on the cold concrete with just a chattai and a worn-out sheet. However, it wasn’t until the news went viral that the concerned authorities started paying heed to the struggles of these patients.
35 cancer patients and their relatives staying under the Hindmata Bridge outside Tata Memorial hospital were shifted to a shelter in Parel. 23 shelters have been temporarily opened, 4 more shelter units are to start from Feb 1st, 2020. pic.twitter.com/srz5KeiAfs
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) January 16, 2020
And finally, their pleas were heard. The BMC started moving the patients of Tata Memorial Hospital, living under the flyover to safer and hygiene places, reported Mumbai Mirror.
Scores of patients have been moved to two Dharamshalas, one in Dadar and the other one attached to KEM hospital in Parel. The people now have access to clean dorms and bathrooms and are also provided with free meals.
The story moved many many people including the BMC, so on Thursday the 100-odd patients were moved to two dharamshalas and scores of Mumbaikars came to donate money, food, blankets. A gurudwara offrede to take in 16 patients. @MumbaiMirror pic.twitter.com/wNf3LC4vyE
— Meenal Baghel (@writemeenal) January 16, 2020
Several other people and organisations also joined in to provide decent accommodations to these people. Although this is a great piece of news, it does highlight the grave situation of the less fortunate who are unable to have access to affordable healthcare and lodging facilities.
Not a single cancer patient under the Hindmata bridge, have just clicked these pictures. Good to see such big impact after my story. Thank you @mybmc pic.twitter.com/hW8yFjFmSG
— Lata Mishra (@lata_MIRROR) January 17, 2020
People were delighted to see the positive change:
This is heartbreaking. Thank you to the people who are helping the patients.
— KitKat00 (@stararies1) January 18, 2020
That is beautiful and true meaning of humanity 🙏🏽
— Shil (@MuscatInMyShoes) January 16, 2020
Remarkable impact 👍
— prakash bal joshi (@prakashbaljoshi) January 16, 2020
Gosh, so glad to hear they are being helped. Such a sad story.
— Sarah Moran (@ReggieBlue) January 18, 2020
Power of the words! Great work done by your team! Kudos
— curious seeker (@vykas100) January 18, 2020
Such a positive news..
— hosakothaa (@hosakotha) January 18, 2020
However, the government have been doing their best to provide quality healthcare services through several schemes and initiatives like India’s first hospital on wheels. We just hope that no one has to lose their life just because they do not have access to medical care or cannot afford clean and hygienic accommodations.