They came from UP only to be turned away

The scene in the emergency department of KEM hospital was chaotic on Thursday. Medical teachers and interns were present to tend to patients; however, the burden was immense.

Noorjehan Shaikh (50) was one such patient who was turned away even after her relatives insisted that she needed some urgent tests done. She had not eaten anything for the past two days and had severe stomachache. On Thursday morning, she had arrived in Mumbai from a small UP town with her husband Mohammed Hashim. "Noorjehan has been ill for a month now. Ultrasound of her abdomen revealed a swelling on the liver and gall bladder.

A CT scan has been advised by the local doctors. Because there is no such facility in Basti, I brought her to Mumbai," said Mohammed Hashim.

"A CT scan was not conducted as the department was short-staffed. We were asked to come back when the strike is called off. I am worried for my sister-in-law who has not eaten anything for the past two days. What if her condition worsens? The strike is plaguing the patients," said Hajra Khatun.