A Hospital Stay is No Holiday

Open Magazine recently did a story on the emergence of luxury hospitals in India,  having worked in the healthcare sector long enough I know the story is not new and nor are the players in the private healthcare space who have created this niche. Think about it; when you sick or a family member is sick and I mean really unwell that need of the hour is beyond a family physician, how you prioritize your treatment options:

• Figure out which specialist to consult

Or

• Which hospital has the most comfortable mattress

 

•  A hospital that offers high quality services, clean hygienic room and surroundings with round the clock attending doctors and medical staff

Or

•  A hospital with cozy Coffee Shop and a plush lounge area with a Spa

 

• Ask family and friends how they would rate a X hospital in terms of medical facilities based on past experience

Or

Ask family and friends how they would rate X hospital based on the grand repertoire of F&B menu they have for the “clients”

When I was a teenager and visited Indraparastha Apollo Hospital for the first time that was it! I declared if anything was to happen to me, it should only be this hospital where I should be admitted. Alas! I am not a teenager anymore; hospital is a place where one is out of need not choice! Even if I have a family member admitted last thought on my mind would be to avail spa services over pacing up and down in the waiting area or sitting by the beside of the patient.

Of course it’s a feel good factor, the ambience, services everything adds to cheer. Analjeet Singh, Founder Max Healthcare introduced an innovative idea of setting-up coffee shops in the lobbies so that anyone who steps in smells Coffee beans and not phenol. Simple logic of ‘First Impression’ but does it last?

Oddly, it doesn’t because, you still have to wait for your turn to meet the doc despite an appointment and paying a steep consultation fee. You do end-up spending extra 500 (on an average) on Coffee or food and no matter how nice, beautiful and pretty a hospital maybe, you want to exist it as soon as you can. After all a hospital is not a social hangout zone and never will be.

The business of healthcare is exciting and interests me to check out a new one. It makes me happy to work in one but I so wish we de-clutter the science of curing and the touch of care. Remember the logic, keep it simple silly! It works each time.

I would rather have polite staff (read my post on Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi), speedy processes, an attentive nurse checking on my patient, counseling family on the diagnosis and condition of the patient, explaining the nature of tests, et al than worrying about what to serve for lunch (if he can eat at all).

On one hand you have Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon); the newest medicity equipped with Theatre, Spa, Shopping Arcade and an Art Gallery and on other hand the same group has a hospital in Mumbai which has slum right across and kids defecating in open. So much for a view from the window or hygiene in the vicinity, it would be an appreciative initiative if the hospital built a few public loos for the slum dwellers to use. Why should they do it? It makes a good story which means lots of positive PR, the hospital earns Goodwill, will be seen as a healthcare provider offering access to basic amenities to the poor and helping in improving the area too.

Insurance pays then what reason I have to complain if luxury comes as part of the package with the hospital visit? Well I’d rather choose to spend and unwind with a holiday where one can enjoy stress-free indulgence.

Perhaps for the benefit of all, I should write a post on understanding the dynamics of your hospital visit or how to be a smart patient and caregiver. Your thoughts?

Perils of Early Puberty

Decades ago when child marriage was prevalent, parents married off their daughters at 8-10 years and kept her till she attained puberty. In other words once sexually active she was sent off to her husband’s place. This meant teenage pregnancies, many children, deaths during child birth. While it still happens in parts of the country but post Independence Govt. made many laws including Hindu Marriage Act and Muslim Marriage Laws. Perhaps because law is a lady they also made a few to check crime against women:

• Child marriages is a criminal offence- She has to be 18 to marry
• Sex with a girl below 18 even with her consent is termed as Rape

Delhi High Court ruling that a Muslim girl at 15 can marry if she has attained puberty is going to make things dirty for the girl child. The verdict was given for a case where a 16 yr old who married a boy of her choice and wants to live with him against her parents’ consent. The court has also instructed the couple and in-laws to appear before the Child Welfare Committee once in every six months till the girl attains majority. How I wish HC also told the in-laws to ensure she completes education and does not bear a child till she turns 18.  Why couldn’t they have restricted the verdict to this case only, why turn it into a ruling applicable to the community at large.

What if:

• · A Muslim girl’s parents want to marry her off at 15 and it is imposed on her?
• There is sex without consent in marriage and is forced?

Does it mean a Muslim girl:

• Is physically and mentally mature at 15?
• An early pregnancy will not pose risk to her health?

Who is responsible for:

• Her education & career?
• The husband decides to abandon her after an year or two?

Will law bridge the gap:

• The permissible age for a boy to marry in India is 21. So her husband could be anywhere 6 or more years older than her.

• More importantly, in each marriage where the girl is between 15-17 yrs will her husband and in laws expected to report to the nearby court reporting on the girl’s well being

On one hand the clerics and orthodox Muslim board welcome the decision. I hope the Supreme Court intervenes and issues a stay on the order. Else we will not even have words to say how sorry things will be…

Is this is not a compromise of her Fundamental Rights and Freedom? Are they not enough crime already happening against the girl child? In cases of baby Falak, Afreen what was the HC able to do which now it has gone ahead and given a clean slate to crush the already weak one?

The Whole Blood Story

Scene 1- Patient urgently needs blood. Needle stuck into the donor’s vein and directly transfused to the recipient. Maybe this scene from the films is so deeply imbibed into our minds that we have forgotten to educate ourselves about the right and wrong about blood donation and transfusion.

Every time I hear an announcement on the radio or read tweet ‘Urgently need units of a particular blood group, it scares me. It would you as well if you knew direct donor to recipient blood transfusions can prove to be fatal- and the cause is not limited to HIV.

Every authorized and registered blood bank has to conduct certain set of mandatory tests before blood can be issued. While most of you might be aware that blood is a carrier of many infections and can have immediate and long term affects. Did you know it’s mainly because of the White Blood Cells (WBC) contamination? And as per the Blood Safety Standards WBC content should be removed before transfusion.

Just like you would know a patient suffering from dengue will require transfusion of platelets, one of the blood components. In most cases; patients do not require whole blood. According to the International good clinical practices & National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), the blood should be separated into its various components (Packed red cell, platelets, granulocytes and CRYO- for hemophilic and coagulation protein deficiency).

Here is a check list to follow, share and keep in mind during emergency situations;

• Procure the blood components from licensed and reputed blood banks only.

• Insist on blood component alternative rather than the whole blood.

• Insist on blood which has already been tested for safety, for eg. NAT tested blood (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) helps in ruling out HIV, Hepatitis B and C at Genetic level.

• Maintain ambient transportation conditions for blood or it’s components-please ask the blood bank for special boxes made for the purpose of transporting blood from the bank to hospital.

• Under no circumstance opt for paid for professional donation.

• Do not insist on fresh blood, as it means the blood has not been tested for various safety parameters.

Always remember, most hospitals have tie-ups with blood banks and in case they do not have a particular group in stock they will assist you in procuring it. A patient can’t be refused blood transfusion if his guardians are unable to source donors of the same group. Most banks only need replacement of the units irrespective of the blood group of the donors.

Blood and its components come at a cost because of the tests conducted
to make it ‘Near Zero Infection Free’.

If you are healthy with a hemoglobin of 11 + and meet the criteria of a donor- do it even if you are scared of a prick. You could save a life and also help kids with Thalesemia.

 

Time Out reveals secrets behind Delhi’s Belly

Everyone is always interested to know what goes on behind the scene or closed doors or in the kitchen? Pick-up the latest issue of Time Out (Delhiedition) and you will know what I mean. For the un-aware Time Out is a fortnightly city magazine which is known for doing anonymous reviews and pays for them too.

 

They conducted a dipstick survey with the 30 top chefs in the city. So what if they haven’t made it public who those 30 are, it is a dhasoo survey with double dhamka results… Okay, Okay, I am getting carried away in the excitement but If you were in my place you wouldn’t react differently either if you read:

• The world famous Dal Bukhara is Non-Vegetarian

• Finally the word is out- Olive Bar & Kitchen is one of the most overrated restaurant. Ha! you don’t need to be a food blogger, critic or a chef to say this but then no one took my word on it…

• Mamagoto- Serves the best bean salad- Now didn’t I tell you this as well http://wp.me/pyzGT-9P. Looks like I can claim to be a food blogger now

• Vikram Khatri, one of the best chefs in the making- I agree! He knows Japanese food at the back of his hand, understands a guest’s preferences, is media savvy and makes awesome food.  I have had a few meals prepared by him when he worked with a Five Star, his previous job. But Bakshish Dean as an upcoming chef, still? He’s been around for as long as I learnt F for food.

• For more go pick-up your copy

All the questions in the survey are bang on; they have not worried about hurting sentiments or damaging top of the line restaurant reputations. I say, Time Out got its recipe right on this one. Right mix of spices is equal to a dish which appeals to all- senses!

Raghu Karnad, this issue of Time Out is answer to all awards, rewards, ratings, rantings,reviews, praises given till date to everything that has little worth, value for money or is over-hyped & priced in Delhi-NCRs F&B industry.

We want you to do a similar one on the media. Unveil its real face and unravel the mystery which makes these journalists believe they are no less than demi gods! Basically what makes ‘Media’ a dirty word today and don’t mince your words on this one either!

For all those 30 chefs, if I knew who you were I would make it a point to visit your restaurant.

Besharmi Morcha? A practical joke

In January this year a Toronto policeman’s remark that ‘women should avoid dressing like sluts to avoid being be victimized’ led to this international walk of shame ‘The Slut Walk‘ Till date it has been organized in US,Canada,UK,Australia,Africa,Asia andEurope. 

Nineteen year old Umang Sabharwal is now organizing this protest march of sorts inDelhinext month. To make it a mass movement and more ‘Indianized’ it has been renamed as ‘Besharmi Morcha’. So as the concept suggests; “dress-up the way you do or in a rebellious fashion and declare (as if it matters) that just because my clothes are too short or reveal; more than you can handle, I am subject to possible harassment!” 

The problem is not with the ‘why’ behind the walk-It’s obvious, duh! Clothes got nothing to do with uninvited sexual moves. It doesn’t matter what you wear because: 

• Rape in marriage is not an unheard thing
• Physical, verbal abuse happens in every one out of five houses inIndiaand is worse than being called a slut
• Sexual assault on young children is reported so often ( in some cases by their own family members)
• Women are killed for marrying a man of their choice- In the name of honor
• Female infanticide is rampant
• Uninvited advances by men in office has become a common worry factor

I haven’t seen a woman who breastfeeds her child in bus, train or in a public place get embarrassed or feel ashamed of her act.  

Get real!! Instead of taking out a besharmi morcha which says ‘I will wear a tank top; too bad if you can’t handle it’- we live with and witness many more ‘ how dare he’ issues, think about a walk, morcha, talk, even a mention about them???  Ah but that’s not what will make to the news, the walk has all the required ingredients to make for a page 1 picture or a 5 minute news clip!!

 I couldn’t care less about proving this point because I am no Slut …errr… Besharam! And for those who are participating, doubting yourself are you??

 

Confessions of a ShopiZen

The one who said shopping is an addiction definitely belonged to Mars who knew nothing about the pleasures one derives from it. Shopping has a balmy effect on the heart, its soothing! Like I say Zen is the philosophy of effortlessness, so is shopping, it makes you happy till it lasts and leaves you with things to feel good about.

Spend if you have, eye them if you don’t. After all, just looking and deriving pleasure is free. And imagine if a glimpse of something can make you smile, how delightful it will be to own it? Oh, I don’t go splurging, but aren’t clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, linen, home decor articles et al things of utility?

Our feet need no direction when they step inside a mall, the invigorating fragrances from Body Shop will take us there. That tee with the catchy ‘HORN Ok Please’ will make heads turn. But, how about getting organic cosmetic care products of the best quality and at reasonable prices sitting at home? Won’t it be nice to sip coffee in that flamboyantly designed colourful mug? Well, your search ends here

Check out Rustic Art – They are nature lovers who make products free off chemicals, machines, animal testing, animal fat and even artificial fragrances & colors. Rustic offers a variety of handmade organic soaps, oils, shampoos etc. I swear by their products and now you know why I smell like vanilla these days . Just click, order and they deliver! In three words they are- Affordable Quality Products!

Have you heard about Chumbak? If you haven’t then click here to see what you have missing out on Chumbak- They are Arty, tastefully funky and for a price-conscious person like me- who wants it all, yet wouldn’t like to spend thousands. They have a variety of queer items and accessories which are perfect gifts options. I bet you click on it once and you are hooked to it. The ‘Chumbak’ indeed works effectively!!

Instead of wondering why a post about the joys of shopping. Go look and find the answer for yourself!

Disclaimer- I buy in moderation and maintain a list of things I need and want – make a budget and pick-up things accordingly. I suggest, you do the same.. Remember greed led to the murder of the bird that laid the golden egg

Do you know of any such off-beat products, brands? Do share the link or tell us there whereabouts.

The Deal is On!

A blogger who wrote the most fantastic love stories & a chilled out family man is how I got to know him. Gradually I realized he has a spunk to do more than what we regular people set out to achieve; become an ENTREPRENEUR,  His true calling in life! Meet Mayur, Founder dealaram.com. Along came Prateek, the young gun who believed ‘talk little observe more’ and became Mayur’s partner in crime .. I mean dealaram … Now I will let the two do the talking

Hi,

I am Dealaram. A new name in the world of online commerce. But that doesn’t mean I am short of enthusiasm. No, sir , no. I am here to create a niche for myself in the blooming market and rise to a new level.

Now I am sure, these words would have raised quite a number of questions in your head. I will try to answer all of them.

Who Is This Loud-mouth And What Does He Do?

Like I said, my name is Dealaram. I am a deal aggregator. I collect deals, from different offline and online vendors and I offer them to you for a small amount depending on the savings. You can use the coupon to avail the said discount.

But There Are So Many E-Com Sites.

A Good question. First of all, I don’t call my self an e-com site. I am as I said in the previous question, a deal aggregator. Or rather lets give it a new term: A Dealagator. I snap up deals for you like an alligator. In simpler terms you can say, I am the guy who puts the restaurant pamphlets and discount coupons at your doorstep.

What is New About You?

I have tried to combine a coupon system with the benefits of bulk buying. The deals can be bought in exchange for a few coins. The day you register with me, your account will be credited with 200 coins. There are different ways by which yo can earn more coins eg by promoting me, blogging about me, promoting my Twitter handle and FB pages etc. Other than that, you can recharge the coins in your account. That is our online currency, similar to what you will see in the browser based games. And there are quite a few recharge options available. Moreover there are loyalty based bonuses available.

Is It Free?

Yes and No. Registration is free and the first 200 coins are free. And I will conduct different events, online parties if you wish to call them from time to time where freebies will be up for grabs. But other than that, you will need to recharge the coins.

How does it Benefit Me?

In more ways than I can count. The deals I have, ensure that YOU PAY LESS for what you want. I am planning to have deals not just in restaurants, spas and resorts sector, but everywhere. From Health Check-ups to Summer Workshops for kids. Books to Grocery Stores, Electronics to Furnishing Your Complete Home, Latest Fashion to Adventure Trips, handmade organic products to tailor made designer clothings…..you name it and it will be all at discount…if not now then some time from now.

And more than that, I wish to have a personal touch with all my members. Not in a formal business way, but like a friend. You can contact me through e-mail (two mail ids have been listed below), or via my facebook page or through Twitter. Me and my team members appreciate feedback. Plus I encourage the members to tell me what kind of deals they want. And I will try my best to get them for you.

How Do I Register?

Right now the site is on beta testing and is not fully functional. To register do send an email with your details i.e. name, age, e-mail id and phone number to support@dealaram.com The guys there are good and I assure you they will not sell your number to various telemarketers and neither will they spam your message box with PJs

For More Details, you can drop in a mail to

Mayur: screwdriver@dealaram.com

Prateek: prateek@dealaram.com (He really wanted to use snowleopard but damn the guy above)

In the meanwhile you can check my FB page and Twitter handles. I have been putting up free coupons, which are up for grabs. Don’t miss that opportunity.

Cheers

Dealaram

We, the Jan of the Lokpal

Yes, I too was taken-in with the spirit of oneness amongst Indians in support of Anna Hazare for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Yet something stopped me from expressing my support for it. I was trying to find the answers and put my concerns in words but couldn’t; blame it on my lack of knowledge on the history of the subject.  

Then Govt. submitted draft of the bill & Anna broke his fast but the fight is far from over. Debate continues, newer controversies are unleashed everyday and still no media has really cared to give us a clear analytical perspective of how the bill works for the public and its short comings.  

Well, it was then I discussed an idea of a guest post with Vishal Gupta, an engineer by education, an IAS aspirant & a fellow blogger. Since he is studying Public Administration in detail it made sense to let him tell us the what, why & why(k)nots of the Jan Lokpal Bil

———————————————————————————————–

The fascinating unravelling of events since Anna’s fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar has thrown up many questions. But the actual debate seems to be slightly misplaced. A section of people and media (particularly electronic) have blindly thrown their weight behind the movement; while others have dismissed it as potentially damaging to democratic system.

It has been very difficult to find some facts, based on which, people can swear their allegiance to either camp. In this lengthy piece, I will try to produce a few well known and some hidden facts about the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Why is it a political hot potato?

Because the Jan Lokpal is a radical change. If implemented, it will have enormous implications for entire Indian democratic system. It discredits existing anti-corruption system, indirectly blames political establishment for its ineffectiveness and challenges the ‘independence’ of higher judiciary among other thorny issues.

Isn’t Jan Lokpal good?

Yes and no. In the current form (Version 2.2), the Jan Lokpal Bill seems akin to the mythical sword which had ruthless potential to slain its enemy but also needed a capable warrior to hold it, or it would have fatal consequences for its world.

I don’t get it.

Let us have a starting point. Though the Jan Lokpal Bill does not outline the principles it is based upon, a quick reading suggests the following as its guiding lights:

1. Existing Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PoCA) sets appropriate legal framework to define and understand corruption.

2. Implementation of PoCA has been unsatisfactory due to lack of independence of vigilance and investigating agencies.

3. Anew system must be created to correct these imbalances. It should be administratively, financially and functionally independent, as far as possible, of the other organs of the ‘existing’ state.

4. Judiciary must be subjected to more scrutiny and accountability than it currently is.

The JLB seems to have been written with good intentions. Unfortunately, good intentions do not always transpire into good consequences. Remember the constitutional provisions regarding reservation?

What would a Jan Lokpal be able to do?

Many things. In fact, too many things. Here is a few of them:

1. It is intended to be a watchdog over Prime Minister, Cabinet, MPs, Judges of HCs and SC and bureaucracy.

2. It will be able to act suo moto or hear any complaint having a vigilance angle from any person. The loosely defined term ‘vigilance angle’ includes administrative negligence, unexplained delays, inaction, discrimination, victimization of whistle-blowers, unfair investigations et cetera.

3. It will subsume whole of Central Vigilance Commission, departmental vigilance set-up and the part of CBI concerned with corruption cases.

4. It will have powers of a civil court, Police and High Court in certain matters. It can even authorise tapping of phones under the Indian Telegraph Act, allow search and seizure of property and impose penalties.

5. Section 15 of the bill will make report of the CAG enforceable by taking up the responsibility to investigate the lacunae pointed out by the CAG. If this were to exist earlier, the 2G spectrum scandal would have been dealt with much earlier!

6. Section 21 of the Jan Lokpal Bill makes Citizen’s Charters mandatory and enforceable. Thus, the bill effectively doubles up as a ‘Right to Public Services Bill’. It is also a Whistle-blowers’ Protection Bill.

7. Interestingly, the bill (Section 28B) links Lokpal with the Election Commission as well. Lokpal will be empowered to compare the assets declared by candidates while filing nomination with their Income Tax Returns. It can initiate prosecution if it finds any wrongdoing.

What are the problems with the Civil Society bill?

Plenty of them. Even an amateur like me can tell that it has not been written in the best way possible. To summarise, it tries to do too many things thereby violating the basic legislative principle of simplicity. I will try to list a few of the perceived problems:

1. It creates a tangled web of systems by linking institutions like the CAG, the Election Commission, the CVC, CBI and others to Lokpal.

2. For the first time, the bill seeks to bring higher judiciary under constant scrutiny of another institution. It is being perceived as a threat to judicial independence.

3. It describes the processes very rigorously but seems to set unrealistic time lines.

For e.g, selection of a new member of Lokpal must take place within one month of her resignation. Within that duration – a search committee has to be formed, recommendations are to be invited from anyone, public views are to be sought, short-listing is to be done and a decision is to be taken by the Selection Committee. And, it is only a summary of the process. As another example, in some cases, orders of Lokpal must be implemented within a week!

4. It includes former CAGs as members of Lokpal search committee. This provision violates Article 148 of the constitutions which bars the CAG to hold any other governmental office after their retirement.

5. Civil society members of the search committee are to be nominated by other members of the committee thereby making the procedure arbitrary and undemocratic.

6. Lokpal selection committee would include previous members of Lokpal. It would unnecessarily turn it into a Privy Council. Moreover, there are only two elected representatives as its members, making them a minority. If I could recommend an alternative, it would include PM, Leader of Opposition, CEC (representing constitutional institutions), Chief Justice of India (representing judiciary) and Cabinet Secretary (representing bureaucracy).

7.  Bill is likely to burden Supreme Court further by allowing anyone to file a petition for removal of a member of Lokpal. It also curtails powers of Supreme court indirectly by laying down the procedure of handling of such petitions.

8. Enforceability of Citizen Charter will have no meaning if it is not written with right intentions.

9. Inmost cases, the bill leaves no remedy for those dissatisfied with the Lokpal. Not even Supreme Court could be moved against its verdicts.

So, is it doom either way?

Government Bill was definitely a lot weaker than the Civil Society bill. But the Jan Lokpal Bill does not seem to be an answer either.

It vests a number of necessary and some unnecessary powers in the Lokpal but does not seem to contain sufficient number of checks and balances to ensure its accountability to ‘us, the people‘ who dedicated to ourselves the most elaborate constitution six decades ago. This is the fundamental worry of the detractors of this anti-corruption struggle.

The Jan Lokpal has the potential to be as effective as our much feted Election Commission. But it also has potential to undermine even existing systems of governance with its inefficiency. I will leave you with the last section of the Bill, which probably sums up the fears of the unknown:

35. This Act shall override the provisions of all other laws.

Apollo Hospital… you were almost there!

Since I have worked with a few -star super specialty hospitals I know what to expect or not to when it comes to service, ambience, patient service, doctor’s appointment et al. Last Saturday, I was at Apollo Hospital, Delhi for dad’s check-up and though I thought it will be an in & out visit we ended up spending a few hours in what I call an ‘organized chaos’. Apollo almost won me over but for its last but a big faux-pas.

I had taken a prior appointment so when I went to the registration desk and paid the fee (a whooping Rs. 700)-definitely not an affordable OPD charges. Along with the receipt they handed me a feedback form. I told the lady at the reception -I am visiting after 4-5 years and have been in only 5 mins, too soon for me to comment on the services. However she insisted not her fault she would be asked by the hospital operations manager how many she got filled (targets here too!).  I filled up some of the obvious questions like ‘does your doc answer your queries in details’? – Obviously yes, it’s only for the same doc I visit Apollo!

The doc advised some investigative tests. I was happy that all payments were made at one go within 2 mins (everyone is quick while taking money) . Every department was methodical and responsive. One of the blood test which had to be done at the emergency (staff is very polite) before taking the sample explained the intricacy of it.

Half an hour waiting at each department which wasn’t much counting the patient burden the hospital has. Everything was fine till we reached the ECHO lab. Two consultants and one senior doctor to corroborate the report. They looked so stricken and serious while doing the test that my heart must have missed a few beats. Exchanged a few medical terms between themselves and asked us to wait for an hour for the report. The docs looked so unfriendly that I didn’t feel like asking if all was okay. 

I understand the wait for path reports but for tests like ECHO the cardiologists doing the test can at least tell the patient and family if the their is no reason to worry? It would take less than 30 seconds of their time but give lot of peaceful moments to the family.

We returned to the hospital for a follow-up on Monday i.e today to collect the reports and discuss them with our doc. Apollo’s OPD areas are segregated on different floors as per specialty. Respiratory where we had to go is on the 2nd floor. While we had been waiting for the lift to come for 10 mins, a hospital staff informed that it wasn’t functioning and that we should take the stairs. I inquired about an alternative lift no one had a clue. No notice of ‘lift out of order was put up’. The guard on the entrance couldn’t care a less. Finally a lady comes and repeats the same thing take the stairs.

How do you expect a patient with breathing problem to climb two floors and pat came a reply then wait for it to get repaired!

Dad did climb two floors and it took ten minutes for him to catch his breath.
It was indeed a showdown and proved Apollo staff has no empathy with its patients. 

Apollo- you woo and wow with your marketing strategies. You made people take pledge for a healthy heart. How about taking one yourself to be more polite towards your patients, act and answer responsibly!

I again filled-up a feedback form and this time with a complaint. Within an hour I get a response which reads ‘ Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate you chose us as your preferred healthcare provider.’

Thanks Apollo for acknowledging my feedback. Take this post as a confirmation receipt from me!

Time to talk yet again!

Yes, I missed you all too. It isn’t that I didn’t try, I did! There are times when you want to talk but can’t, vent out and express but the words just refuse to sync in with mind.

So while I have been away India witnessed a lot of action. To begin with Paes- Bupathi duo clinched the No. 1 ranking in the ATP World Tour doubles and we won the World Cup Cricket.

Of course The World Cup Cricket excitement couldn’t have left me untouched but I am over it (almost). All thanks to overdose of it with IPL where you see the Indian team players on the opposite sides. Frankly, I don’t know where to put my loyalties in IPL because Delhi team is incomplete without Gauti, Yuvi is not batting for Punjab and Haryana doesn’t have a team as yet, such is life dearies!

Jantar Mantar is not just a historical site but Delhi’s modern day address for revolts & revolutions. It is here Anna took the Nation by storm and Centre felt the tremors. The mass movement saw everyone marking their attendance from filmwallas to netas. How could media’s blue eyed boy Chetan Bhagat be left behind? He too ‘twittered & tattered‘ about ‘Anti-Corruption’. Well, in all fairness if Dr. Pratibha Patil can watch the game of Cricket why can’t CB give gyan on other things than love?

It was definitely a thumbs-up moment to see India undivided in support of the cause. Something prevented me from participating in light a candle march or a visit to the site for the heck of it ( another post).

Political fever is running high with elections in TN, Kerela, WB & Assam. The biggest will be West Bengal which will see CPM go out of power after 33 years of reign. I don’t know if Mamta can weave some magic for the State (she shooed away TATAs) but the people finally seemed to have woken-up to see the world move by.CPM did little in more than three decades to prove that communism can do good for development. I hope Mamta Banerjee has some great plans for the state’s progress too as she did for the election campaign by hiring people like Derek O Brien &  Sabeer Bhatia. Didi has to ensure WBs train to progress catches speed.

Most importantly two dear friends make a debut as entrepreneurs in e-commerce. So let nothing stop you from clicking on http://dealaram.com/and sign-up for some ultra cool deals! Inside scoop is with its launch our wait for the much awaited sales might end…Do keep a look out.

And I shall be back soon with my next, and a series that will follow. Its time for me to know hit the blogroll I follow