A Personal Journey

Recently my mom fell in the bathroom, resulting in broken bones and a hematoma in her brain. Her life was at stake and time was critical. She was quickly transferred by ambulance to a bigger hospital five hours away. The drive was treacherous, on a winding mountain road, in dense fog, with poor visibility.

Complicated brain surgery and fixing broken bones was part of the medical protocol.
It has been a month of hospital stays. And a long arduous recovery lies ahead.

I am particularly touched by the compassion and concern of family, friends, and neighbors. Even the fruit vendor sitting outside the front gate of our home immediately left his little stall to help, and travelled in the ambulance to a big city five hours away to make sure my mom was comfortable.

India has a different set of healthcare rules. Mom was not operated upon until the full payment for the surgery was wired to the hospital account. Once she was shifted from the ICU, the quality of care suffered and she was left to fend for herself. The ward boy suggested that the nurses would not give her the needed care and recommend we hire somebody known to him to care for her.

The message was clear. Care costs money — on the side.

I am satisfied with the quality of care mom received despite the gaps.  Of course nothing happens in India if you don’t have the right contacts, the right resources, and money.  You still have to speak up for your rights.

There is a growing population of elderly in my home town with long life spans. The healthy organic food, beautiful climate, and simple life style have all contributed to this. There is a big need for professional care for the elderly. There are no assisted living facilities and home health care provisions. There is a clear gap in the health care system in India.

God has given my mom a second chance. I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband for his unflinching support, to our caring friends, to our extended family and the medical professionals who saved her life. The Fortis Hospital in Kangra is a blessing. Thank you for everything you have done for my family. I am lucky that my mom survived this ordeal, and that I was able to personally care for her, albeit for a short time.
I feel blessed as I bask in God’s grace.