The day after: Scared patients flee hospital

KOLKATA: The number of patients dropped to less than 40 at the AMRI Hospitals at Dhakuria, a day after the disaster that left 91 dead. While the annexe building (or Block 2) that had caught fire on Friday leading to the deaths, was shut down after its licence was cancelled, Block I remained functional, but struggled to cater to patients. While 72 patients remained at the block after Friday's fire, the count dropped to 34 by Saturday afternoon.The number of patients had further dipped to 21 by the evening. The hospital authorities claimed services were normal though their resources were under strain and coordination had become difficult after the accident.
The wards and departments at Block I looked deserted. While second floor had 10 patients, third floor had six and fourth floor had eight. Most preferred to leave even as debris remained piled up around the building. Montu Malakar decided to take his 34-year-old son Sovon back home. "My son is still recovering, but we decided not to take any chances. The main block is functioning normally, but we are scared," said Malakar. There were several others who moved their patients out, preferring to take them home for recovery.
The panic is understandable but the hospital made sure that treatment and other facilities were normal. A statement issued by AMRI on Saturday claimed things were under control at the hospital with 27 doctors and 69 nurses attending to 21 patients. "We are sorry to inform that we have lost two of our staff members who have shown exemplary courage in saving many lives yesterday. Several others from our staff members who were present on that dreadful morning have been discharged with minor injuries.
The release also mentioned that an internal enquiry will be conducted by the hospital. "So far as block I is concerned, our services remain normal. Patients have been leaving on their own, though there is no reason why they should not continue their treatment at the hospital. We are trying our best to make sure that the existing patients receive the best possible care," said a senior official of AMRI Hospitals.