A bit about my work experience [II]

(continued from...)


During my short stay at the hospital I also witnessed how the social circumstances and political strife in the state was affecting the provision of healthcare in the area. The state that this town was situated in was being split into two and at the time I was there, there were numerous strikes and "bandhs" (closing stores, shops and blockading roads etc). This severely affected the number of patients coming through the doors. The strike action was especially worse on the 16th of August and as a result we hardly saw any patients. Dr. Madhu didn't even have 10 consultations in the space of 2.5 hours. This compared to the usual 18 or so consultations in the space of 2 hours was a drastic reduction. 

One of the nurses feeding a premature baby - naturalising to breastfeeding

These political movements not only impacted the hospital's "business" but also put the patients in danger who did arrive to consult the doctor. Additionally, if any ambulances had tried to move patients to this hospital or any other in the area, they could have possibly be stopped on the road, putting the patient in the danger. The prospective patients' conditions may worsen during the day that they weren't able to come to the hospital and seek help.


The role of the doctor here was not only to provide the best care for their patients but also to simultaneously budget and also combat with the stress of the political situation in the area. 

(continued in...)