Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts

Monday, June 15, 2020

What to do when one feels unwell, during Covid-19 lockdown in Mumbai

This is a compilation of useful information to fight Covid-19 pandemic. It's culled from many sources. These details are given for information only. Reasonable care has been taken to make it as accurate as possible. Hope you find it useful.

1. What to do when you suspect Corona virus infection?

a. Don't Panic. Stay calm. Contact your family doctor and seek his advice. In case he is not able to help reach out to doctors (or apps) mentioned at Point-7 for Covid-19 and Point-8 for non-Covid health issue.

b. In case of  Covid suspicion call on 1916 and/or report on Arogya Setu Application. MCGM Medical Officer will contact you. 

c. Visit nearest Covid Fever Clinic. Based on advice of medical officer get Covid-19 (RT-PCR) test done. At government hospitals test is free of charge. Private lab charges Rs.2,800/- for home collection. At lab charge is Rs.2,200/-

d. Upon receipt of test report decide next course of action along with MCGM Medical officer. If symptoms are mild he may advice quarantine. In case of severe symptoms he may advice you to get admitted at a Covid hospital.

MCGM Help Line
Toll Free: 1916
Disaster Management Control Room: 022-22694725; 022-22694727

Maharashtra State Help Line
Phone No.: 022–22024535

Central Govt Helpline for Corona-Virus:
Phone: 011-23978046 
Toll Free : 1075 
Helpline Email ID : ncov2019@gov.in
Download Arogya Setu application from https://www.mygov.in/aarogya-setu-app/

3. Covid Hospitals

Address and contact details of well known Covid hospitals is given below. Some cells have been kept blank purposefully so that government and private hospitals from same area appear next to each other. List is starting from hospitals in South Mumbai and gradually goes towards north Mumbai.

Sr

Government Hospitals

Private Hospitals

1

Kasturba Hospital, Byculla

Sane Guruji Marg, Arthur Road,

Mumbai 400 011

Contact No. 022-23083901 / 022-23092458 / 022-23092458 (Fax) / 022-23000889

Bombay Hospital, Marine Lines

12, Vitthaldas Thackersey

Marg, Near to Liberty

Cinema, New Marine Lines,

Marine Lines, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400020

Contact: 022-22067676

 

2

Nair Hospital, Mumbai Central

55, Dr Anandrao Nair Marg,

Mumbai Central, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400008

Contact: 022-23081490 (101) / 022-24667845 / 022-23085379 (P) / 022-24327508

Wockhardt Hospitals, Agripada

1877, Dr.Anand Rao Nair Road, Near Agripada Police Station, Mumbai Central (E), Mumbai- 400 011

022-61784444, 022-61784400,

82911-01001

3

 

Breach Candy Hospital, Cumballa Hill

60 A, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill,

Mumbai, 400026

Contact: 022-23667788

 

4

 

H N Reliance Hospital, Girgaon

Raja Rammohan Roy Rd, Charni Road East, Prarthana Samaj,

Khetwadi, Girgaon, Mumbai 400004

Contact: 1800-221166

5

KEM Hospital, Parel

Acharya Donde Marg, Parel,

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

Contact: 022-24131763 / 022-24136051 / 022-24134977

 

Global Hospitals, Parel

35, Dr Ernest Borges Rd,

opp. Shirodkar High School,

Parel, Mumbai 400012

Phone: 022-67670101

6

Lokmanya Tilak Hospital, Sion

RB2 Central Railway Quarters,

Jain Society, Sion, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400022 

Contact: 022-24092020 / 022-24090002 / 022-24090367 /

022-24076382 / 022-24076380

 

Hinduja Hospital, Mahim

SVS Rd, Mahim West,

Shivaji Park, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400016

Contact: 022-24451515

7

K B Bhabha Hospital, Kurla

Small Gol Bldg, Belgrami Road,

Near Police Station, Kurla West, Mumbai 400070

Tele: 022-26500241, 022-26500144

 

Raheja Hospital, Mahim

Raheja Rugnalaya Marg,

Mahim West, Mumbai 400016

Contact: 022-66529999

 

8

Bhabha Hospital, Bandra

Waterfield Road, Bandra West,

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Contact: 022-26422775 / 022-26429828 / 022-26406787

 

Lilavati Hospital, Bandra

A-791, Bandra Reclamation Road,

Bandra West, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400050

Contact: 022-26751000

9

Cooper Hospital, Vile Parle

U 15, Bhaktivedanta Swami Rd,

JVPD Scheme, Juhu,

Mumbai 400056

Contact: 022-26207254 / 022-26207256 / 022-26207258 / 022-26205897 (Fax) / 022-28934257

 

Nanvati Hospital, Vile Parle

S V Rd, near LIC Colony,

Suresh Colony, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056

Contact: 022-26267500

 

10

 

Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri

Rao Saheb Achutrao

Patwardhan Marg, Four

Bungalows, Andheri West,

Mumbai 400053

Contact: 022-30696969

 

11

Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar

7, M G Road, Rajawadi, Ghatkopar East,

Mumbai 400077

Contact: 022-25115066 to 022-25115070 / 022-25127372 /

022-25094149 to 022-25094153 /022-25125610 – 022-25125611

 

Seven Hills Hospital, Andheri

Marol Maroshi Rd, Shivaji Nagar JJC, Marol, Andheri East,

Mumbai 400059

Phone: 022-67676766

 

12

 

Hiranandani Hospital, Powai

3rd Floor, HBOT Department, 

Powai, Mumbai,

Maharashtra 400076

Contact: 022-25763500

13

 

Fortis Hospital, Mulund

Mulund Goregaon Link Rd,

Nahur West, Industrial Area,

Mulund West, Mumbai 400078

Contact: 96060-47050

 

Blood Bank Contact Details

Helpline Numbers: 104, 1910

1. St. George Blood Bank 022-22620344, 022-22620242

2. J.J Hospital Blood Bank 022-23769400

3. G.T Hospital Blood Bank 022-22621464, 022-22621465, 022-22621467

4. Kama Hospital Blood Bank 022-22611648

5. Indian Red Cross Society 022-22663560

6. Breach Candy Hospital and Research centre 022-23667811, 022-23667820

7. Hinduja National Hospital 022-24452222, 022-24451515, 022-24447752

8. Jaslok Hospital 022-24939595

9. Lilavati Hospital Blood Bank 022-26455891 Ext. 2223

10. Tata Memorial Hospital Blood Bank 022-24149750, 022-24161413


4. Updated list of sealed buildings


5. Mumbai MCGM Area-wise Officers In Charge

Eighty per cent beds in private hospitals are reserved for covid patients and treatment at government rates is mandatory. 

These chartered officers have now been appointed to monitor the situation.  Sseparate e-mail address has been created as given hereunder, for citizens to lodge complaints.

The Municipal Corporation has taken possession of these beds and will distribute them as required.

Who has which Hospital & for its Functional responsibility

1. Madan Nagargoje: Bombay Hospital, Saifi Hospital, Jaslok Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, H. N. Reliance Hospital, Bhatia Hospital, Convest and Manjula S. Badani Jain Hospital, SRCC Hospital.
E-mail address: covid19nodal1@mcgm.gov.in

2. Ajit Patil: Masina Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital, Prince Ali Khan Hospital, Global Hospital, K. J. Somaiya Hospital, Guru Nanak Hospital, p. D. Hinduja Hospital.
E-mail address: covid19nodal2@mcgm.gov.in

3. Radhakrishnan: S. L. Raheja Hospital, Lilavati Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Seven Hills Hospital (Reliance), BSES Hospital, Nursing Hospital, Holy Spirit Hospital.
E-mail address: covid19nodal5@mcgm.gov.in

4. Sushil Khodvekar: Kohinoor Hospital, Hindu Sabha Hospital, SRV Chembur Hospital, Galaxy Multispeciality Hospital, L.A. H. Hiranandani Hospital, Surana Sethia Hospital, Fortis Hospital.
E-mail address: covid19nodal4@mcgm.gov.in

5. Prashant Naranware: Karuna Hospital, Kokilaben Hospital, Sanjeevani Hospital, Nanavati Hospital, Apex Hospital, Apex Superspeciality Hospital.
E-mail address: covid19nodal3@mcgm.gov.in


6. Ambulance Service

The Maharashtra Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) provides free ambulance service on calling 108. It reaches the patient'a home and takes him to the hospital.

The 108 ambulance service is aimed at providing medical support during golden hour and was launched in 2014. Mumbai has 93 ambulances under this service.

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This medical emergency platform will help the citizens to book an ambulance using a mobile app and track the vehicle once it is assigned and predict the time when it will reach the desired venue. The fare paid for the ambulance will be predictable and the user will have a very seamless experience at the time when his or her mind is in turmoil due to the emergency happening in the household.

Call on 1800-266-4242 for the ambulance or download 'Dial4242' app on Android or iPhone and request for ambulance.
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HelpNow 24x7 Ambulance service started by IITians. Dial +91-8899889952
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Mumbai Dhadkan has launched a special service of Ambulances for Healthcare workers. The ambulance will reach within 45 mins to Healthcare workers anywhere across Mumbai.

We have a fleet of 58 ambulances.

Ambulance Helpline Numbers:
Jeevan
98676-52784
98215-55528
93268-39332
80806-08888
Dr Suhas
98190-25705
98190-25705 

An initiative by Dr Tushar Shah, Devik Sparsh (Dr Shruti Manaktala), Golden Citizens Trust (Dr Anjali Chhabria), Dr Charuta Mandke, Madat Trust (Dr Anand Parihar), Lions Club of Juhu (Mr Chetan Shah), Dr Nilima Vaidya Bhamare & L B Trust (Dr Sanjay Goel)

7. Covid-19 Medical Help Line

Excellent helpline (24×7) has been initiated by Indian Medical Association. 

The numbers are +91-99996-72238 and +91-99996-72239

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These doctors from Mumbai you can consult for free on phone.

For telephonic guidance on COVID-19 from 8 am to 12 noon
Dr Tushar Shah.   9321469911
Dr M Bhatt.           9320407074
Dr D Doshi.           9820237951
Dr D Rathod.         8879148679
Dr R Gwalani.        8779835257
Dr D Kansara.       8369846412

For telephonic guidance on Covid-19 from 12 to 4 pm
Dr G Kamath.      9136575405
Dr S Manglik.       9820222384
Dr J Jain.             7021092685
Dr A Thakkar.      9321470745
Dr L Bhagat.        9820732570
Dr N Shah.           9821140656
Dr S Phanse.        8779328220
Dr J Shah.            9869031354

For telephonic guidance on Covid-19 from 4 to 8 pm
Dr N Zaveri.        9321489748
Dr S Ansari.        7045720278
Dr L Kedia.          9321470560
Dr B Shukla.        9321489060
Dr S Halwai.        9867379346
Dr M Kotian.        8928650290

For telephonic guidance on Covid-19 from 8 to 11 pm
Dr N Kumar.           8104605550
Dr P Bhargav.        9833887603
Dr R Chauhan.       9892135010
Dr B Kharat.           9969471815
Dr S Dhulekar.        9892139027
Dr S Pandit.           9422473277


8. Non-Covid Medical Help Line

Breach Candy Hospital starting Live Care. Now you can consult registered doctors through Tele/Video consultation from the comfort of your home using mobile app.

To book an appointment, call 011-41179678 Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm / 022-23667800 Mon - Sat 8 am to 4 pm or click below link to download MyHealthcare patient app https://www.myhealthcare.co/patient to book an appointment.

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P. D. Hinduja Hospital doctors are now available for tele/video consultation.You can consult our doctors from the safety of your home. To book an appointment, call 022-67668181 / 022-45108181 (Mon - Sat 8 am to 7  pm) or book online at http://bit.ly/PDHH_OnlineAppointment

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KEM Hospital and IIT Bombay Initiative
During lockdown, where will patients of non-Covid related factors go?
❖ How will all the issues related to general health get resolution?
❖ Do all queries need personal in-person guidance?

Landline number to be called: 022-62328234 Timing: 8 am to 10 pmFree of charge.

Adhering to Medical Council of India guidelines, many of the HODs and Professors of KEM
Hospital along with some Professors of IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, led by Dr Kameswari
Chebrolu of the Computer Science & Engineering Dept, have developed a platform to help
non-Covid patients during this period of lockdown for consultation in the immediate future.
Instead of coming to hospitals and exposing patients to a potentially hazardous Covid-19
environment, patients and family members can call the helpline, and get timely advice and
proper counselling.

This initiative at KEM, signed off by:
Dr. Mukesh Agrawal Paediatrics
Dr. Kamakshi Bhate Community Medicine
Dr Shilpa Rao General Surgery
Dr.Tukaram Jamale Nephrology
Dr.Hetal Marfatia ENT
Dr. Sandhya Kamat Pharmacology
Dr. Niranjan Maydeo &
Dr Padmaja Samant OBGY
Dr. Sangeeta Ravat Neurology
Dr. Charan Lanjewar Cardiology
Dr. Akash Shukla GI medicine
Dr. Chetan Kantharia GI Surgery
Dr. Sujata Patwardhan Urology and all their students
With thanks to the Dean KEMH, Mumbai, Dr Hemant Deshmukh, and the Director of IIT
Bombay, Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, for their permission for this timely and necessary intervention, for the health of our nation.

For further details, please contact via email: Prof Kameswari Chebrolu, Dept of CSE, IIT Bombay,
Powai, Mumbai 400076 chebrolu@iitb.ac.in
Prof Shilpa Rao, Dept of General Surgery, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas
Sunderdas Medical College shilparao@kem.edu
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Tata Group has started a good initiative by providing absolutely free Doctors consultation online through chats. This facility is started for all so that you need not go out for Doctors and you may consult them safely at home.

The link is given below, request every one to take benefit of this fantastic facility.

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9. Home Quarantine Services

When your loved one needs prolong medical care at Home you have to provide your time ,care and love in order to heal them  faster and better.

We at Maxtech understand this crucial requirements and we  provide each and every thing to the patient who is on bed at home.

We provide complete ICU Setup at home including Hospital beds, Oxygen / Bipap & Ventilator machines etc; on rental basis and 2000+ products such as Adult Diapers, Cotton rolls , Dressing Materials, Gloves etc; at wholesale price with free home delivery (Mumbai Limits) 
hence, saving time and money .

For more details Call on 90290-75765 and 90041-55541

You Tube Video  : https://youtu.be/XaatWbahSrc

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Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital brings a home quarantine service that offers a comprehensive solution in safety of your home for COVID positive and symptomatic patients.  15 Day home quarantine packages for individual starting at Rs. 375/- per day. 

To know more about the packages call us on our toll-free number – 1800-221166 or  9324947776.

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Evexius brings to you a special Home Quarantine Service  which involves setting up an Isolation Facility at home for COVID-19 patients. This is being offered in partnership with local hospitals and in accordance with the guidelines set by local healthcare and civic authorities. As a part of the Home Isolation Facility we offer 24x7 Home Health Sherpa Support, 24x7 caregivers (if needed), Doctor Tele-consultation, Psychological counselling, Dietician Consultation and Comprehensive Home Care Kit. Through this facility you can avail remote care services in the comfort of your home.

More details: https://www.evexiushealthcare.com                 

10. Useful Q & A on Masks and Respirators

Different types of masks (to educate non medical and non health workers)

Myths and Facts about "Masks"

Q-1 What are the common types of masks.?
Ans -
1 Cloth mask
2 Surgical mask

Q-2 What are the Respirators.?
Ans -
N- 95
N- 99
N- 100
are the respirators.

Q-3 What is the difference between mask and respirator.?
Ans - Mask has  loose fit, it doesn't seal nose & mouth snugly.
During respiration air moves along the edges of the mask, while respirator has tight seal & most of the times air passes only through its material after filtration.

Q-4 Are all respirator masks r same.?
Ans- No, respirators r graded according to their filtration efficiency.
According to the used filter type
According to the type of materials used & additional features
They r of different types.

Q-5 What is the efficiency grading.?
Ans - According to the efficiency of filtration these r usually graded as-
95, 99 & 100.
Means these respirator masks r capable of traping 95%, 99% & 99.9% of particles, smaller up to the 0.3 micron size.
This grading can also be done as
P1 (FFP1) - 80%
P2 (FFP2) - 95%
P3 (FFP3) - 99.95%
Filtration efficiency.

Q-6 What is the NR or P meaning written over mask.?
Ans -
N - not oil proof
R - oil resistant
P - oil proof
(Eg. N 95 is not oil proof)

Q-7 Few repirator masks have valve, what is that.?
Ans - That valve is nothing but a simple exhalation port with one way valve mechanism, it reduces effort of expiration, reduce heat inside the mask, dissipate humidity & reduce co2 the amount of from the  dead space of mask.

Q-8 When to use surgical masks.?
Ans - Surgical mask or procedure mask is the most common mask used by health workers. 
It is not designed to protect wearer from inhaling the air born bacteria & viruses.
It is used to block only large particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter.
It also reduce the exposure of wearer's saliva & respiratory secretions to others. Surgical mask also remind wearer not to touch their mouth/nose which could otherwise transfer virus/bacteria after having touched a contaminated surface.

Q-9 What is the filtration capacity of surgical mask.?
Ans - It can vary between 10-90% according to the manufacturer.

Q-10 How one can assure about the quality of mask.?
Ans - Mask should be certified by the NIOSH (National institute for occupational safety & health) Or
NPPTL (National personal protective technology laboratory)

Q-11 Does cloth mask effective.?
Ans - Cloth is a wooven material thus pore size is bigger than surgical mask which is made up of non wooven polypropylene material thus cloth mask is less effective than surgical mask in terms of filtration efficiency.

Q-12 Does extra layer improve efficacy of cloth mask.?
Ans - No, it's not advisable. Each extra layer adds only 2% of extra protection on the cost of comfort .

Q-13 Can surgical/cloth mask be used routinely.?
Ans - Yes these can be used routinely.
Few studies done on normal population concluded that the use of simple mask can decrease the incidence of flu up to 75%.
Few east asian countries following this practice of routine use of mask.

Q-14 Can mask be reused?
Ans - Cloth mask can be reused after washing.
- Surgical mask should be discarded after single use or after soiled
- Respirator mask should be discarded when resistance of breathing get increased or get solied.
Viruses/bacterias can grow & flourish inside the reused mask.

Q-15 What r the WHO recommendations for using masks.?
Ans -
- For the normal population, any type of mask is not required, maintaining the social distance & hand hygiene are the sufficient.
- Sick person should wear surgical mask.
- Any person who is taking care of sick person should also wear the surgical mask.
- N 95 mask should be used by the person who is potential to get expose with the respiratory secretions of the infected patient. eg... During the Endotracheal intubation, CPR, Ventilation, Bronchoscopy & Tracheostomy.

11. Useful Information for Doctors in Mulund and Thane

As we all  know , Covid Positive medicos facing lots issues in finding beds in thane,we have decided to keep one bed reserved for doctors of any pathy on first come first serve basis.

Pls feel free to call if any dr is in need of bed .

Hospital service will be free of cost if no Mediclaim

Regards ,

Dr Amol Gitte 9769545533
Siddhivinayk hospital
(Covid hospital)
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We at Metropol multispeciality hospital also will keep one bed prioritised to medical faculty and their family members. 

Dr Rahul Pandey 
Metropol multispeciality hospital (Covid) 
9833441011.
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Drs of Thane 

Lifecare hospital Vartaknagar assure you all that 1 bed will be reserved for Thane Drs of covid infection in this covid crisis 
Please contact me directly on this 9869354001

Dr Sushil Indoria
Lifecare hospital
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Horizon Prime Hospital will keep one bed prioritised to the medical faculty and family members. 
Contact 022-68556855
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Covid 19 Mahesh Ambulance Services 
Contact no. 9702030500/ 88280-09500

Basic, oxygen, cardiac with ventilator
Basic van with oxygen in Mulund, Bhadup, Thane  3,500/-
Bombay 5,000/-

Cardiac with venti in Mulund, Bhadup, Thane - 5,500/-
Bombay-8,500/-

                                                             -oOo-
Last updated on: 16-6-2020
Note: For feedback write to rjkothari@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tryst with Medical Fraternity

My mother aged 72 years had a fall because a young child crossed her way while playing. She sat down on the ground and could not get up. She was brought home by some helpful people.

Upon simple visual examination we did not find any visible signs of a fracture like swelling or unbearable pain. Of course, she found it difficult to move right leg and had pain it was moved. So, a young physiotherapist was called in. She examined her and said that possibly there is no fracture and few sessions would do good to her. She started with some mild treatment on first day. But next day my mother sensed more pain compared to the previous day. So, we stopped her treatment - fearing that exercise may aggravate the pain and some experienced person should be called in.

Our friendly neighbour suggested a local bone-setter (hadd-vaidya) whose 3 generations have been curing ailments related to bones and setting bones. One young man arrived quickly and applied some oil and with a wooden massage aid and did some massage. My mother felt relief after the massage. He asked her to do Ice massage every few hours and apply a ayurvedic concoction (llap) every alternate day. He opined that hip joint ball is safe and fracture is not there. Even if it is there it could be hair line fracture. He suggested X-ray after few days of massage therapy - when things would get normal.

Next day we noticed a small red patch on the upper thigh. Next day it became bigger in size. When we inquired about it the young man said it's a good sign. He said, there is an injury inside (near bone) and blood oozing from there is now coming to the surface. It will become bigger and slowly fade in color and disperse. True to his explanation - the red patch became bigger and slowly started fading. But recovery was not good i.e., pain persisted after few massages also.

In the mean time, we contacted few clinics for a portable X-ray unit. We could locate one in our locality and contacted them. They said technician is on leave due to Diwali festival and he would return only after Diwali. We could not find any other lab with portable X-ray equipment.

So we called in the senior bone-setter. He found one leg to be shorter than other; and did some settings in his own way. He even moved the right leg up to the chest slowly; and there was not much pain. He also opined that possibly there is no fracture and she would become normal in about 10-15 days. My mother felt better after the visit. But after 2-3 days thing were back to old pain; and Diwali also came to an end.

On the first day after the Diwali, we called in the technician with portable X-ray machine. He promptly came and within half hour called saying there is a fracture in the hip joint requiring possibly an operation. My wife rushed to an Orthopaedic Surgeon and showed the report. He suggested surgical operation to fix the fractured bone with the help of a plate and screws. He mentioned his fees for operation and suggested that operation be done in some other hospital with ICU unit because of my mother's old age. He said all other charges for the hospitalisation will be extra. Upon inquiry he said cost of the Medicines, Operation theater and Anesthesiologist fees will be extra. Fine. He suggested two hospitals.

We inquired and settled with one because other one was almost full with only one vacant bed. I got contact of an Ambulance operator from the hospital. Contacted him to get Ambulance with a Wheel Chair. Rates quoted were higher than indicated by the hospital staff. So, after a negotiation we settled for Rs.550/- for a 500 meter ride to hospital!

Next day ambulance came one hour late after half a dozen phone calls. A young boy came in with a folded wheel chair. He did not know even how to open the folded wheel chair. After some struggle he managed and then put my mother in it and took it to the ambulance. The wheel-chair was lifted by 3 people to put inside the ambulance. But the wheel chair won't go inside because space between two cots was not enough to accommodate it. So, they lifted my mother and put her on one of the cots and made her sit there. Thus we reached the hospital. Ambulance guy had not brought the Bill for ambulance and demanded full money with promise to bring Bill by same day evening. After one week's follow-up we got the bill. I vowed not to call this Ambulance Service again and even gave feedback to the hospital about the service we got from them.

Experience at Hospital was good. Hospital insisted and made us sign a letter which stated that we will purchase all medicines from their own medical shop at Maximum Retail Price. Admission staff was naive and in-experienced but nursing staff was adequate in numbers and was of good quality. They were very prompt and gave required services with smile and speed. I paid the required deposit to the hospital by cheque first time on the day of the admission and second time just after the operation.

Just before the operation was to be commence Orthopaedic Surgeon inquired if we want to put 'steel' plate costing Rs.10,000/- or titanium plate costing Rs.17,000/-. This was a googly. He had not even informed us that cost of plate was not included in his fee for operation! My sister and brother-in-law, both of them doctors - who were present there - had no clue. So, we arbitrarily decided for one of them in absence of much information. We wish we had known about this earlier and could have taken an informed decision.

Operation went on well. Then after two days my mother was found fit to be discharged from the hospital. I had done some rough calculations of all expenses and made cash withdrawal from the bank with some extra amount. And we were presented with the rough bill. It turned out to be much higher than my rough calculations. So, upon getting detailed break-up of various items I learnt that they had included following items which I was unaware:

a. Doctor's visit fees for 5 visits at Rs.1,000/- each. One involved short walk with a walker, second involved dressing, other 3 just to inquire if everything was fine.

b. Handling fee charged by hospital at 10% of the cost of the plate that was fixed during the operation.

c. Cost of monitoring equipment used by the Surgeon during the operation was charged extra. We were not informed about its charge earlier.

d. Service Charges at 5% of the total hospital bill including cost of plate and consumables used during the operation.

Upon inquiry I learnt from my insurance agent that Service Charges would not be reimbursed by the insurance company unless proper description of service is given in writing. Upon inquiry I was asked to meet senior administrative staff about details of Service charge. Accounts department had only one person on duty; and she had no clue about description or rationale of service charge; but she knew that insurance company don't pay Service Charge to the patients.

After few days I called up and inquired about it with a senior person (Director - Medical). He said they charge only 5% against 10 to 12% charged by many other hospitals. He explained that it is towards nursing and other services rendered by the hospital to the patient. I requested him to give this explanation about Service charge in writing so that I can check with insurance company for reimbursement of the same. Also, I asked him if is fair to levy this charge on the Doctor's Operation and Visit fees - as I had never factored the same - while agreeing on Doctors fees. Also, I suggested to him that hospital should display notice about this at few prominent places. He promised to look in to it and get back in 2-3 days.

Any way, I paid the balance amount by Credit Card. And brought my mother back home. Now, she is recovering and will take about 1 month with walker; and two more month to get back to normal health.

Summary:
Have medical insurance cover with adequate financial limit. When there is a need to go for hospitalization for a medical treatment be sure of following charges while deciding on hospital and doctor's fees:

1. Surgeon's fee including consultation fee, operation fee, cost of post operative treatment like dressing, physio therapy etc. Ask cost of Implants (if any) for various options available.

2. Fees for Anesthesiologist. Typically it is 20% of the surgeon's operation fee.

3. If patient is aged i.e., above 60 years then Physician's medical medical fitness certificate along with various tests like Blood Sugar, X-Ray, Cardiogram etc. will be there.

4. Hospitalization fees e.g., Room Charges, Operation Theater charges, Cost of monitoring equipments, Cost of Implants with handling fee, Cost of various medical tests, Cost of medicines, Service charges on entire amount (typically 5 to 12%).

5. Cost of Ambulance including wheel chair and other equipments.

If you have medical insurance then cost of room per day is typically 1% of the insurance cover. Try to select a room around this amount. If you decide to go for a higher price room then keep in mind that most of the costs (medical tests, doctor's fees etc.) will go up proportionately. Also, if you are not careful you may end up calling dietitian advising you what to eat during and after operation; with accompanying consultation fee bill.

Covid Resource for Second Wave

Initial part of this blog has resources useful for all of India. Later part is dedicated to resources for Mumbai city.