Politicians seek out cameras by victims’ bedside

As if the constant inflow of the injured and dead was not enough, hospital staff at the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals in south central Mumbai to...

As if the constant inflow of the injured and dead was not enough, hospital staff at the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals in south central Mumbai today were left exasperated by politicians, who demanded their share of time and attention amid the commotion.

The dean’s office in the main building of the hospital was where politicians parked to ensure they were noticed even if it meant hampering emergency services. While some made very brief visits to the wards where the injured were admitted, others chose to remain within the confines of the dean’s office and brief the media on the tragedy. Over biscuits, sandwiches and tea, they provided much-needed soundbytes for TV crews.

Today’s visitors included Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Minister for Public Health Digvijay Khanvilkar, Minister of State for Medical Education Suresh Shetty, Minister of State for Public Health Eknath Gaikwad, Minister of State for Home Rajendra Darda, Mayor Mahadeo Deole and SP Rajya Sabha member Abu Asim Azmi among others.

From 2 pm until 5.30 pm, the hospital saw a politician saunter in every 15 minutes. And everytime a minister or a politician visited the hospital, they called for the senior staff.

‘‘They are just hampering work. Instead of attending to the needs of the administrative staff, we have been busy dancing to these politicians’ tunes,’’ said an angry senior doctor. ‘‘Three-fourths of them have not even visited the patients. All they do is talk to the TV channels,’’ echoed another doctor.

After presenting his version of events, the Minister of State for Medical Education, for instance, was seen tucking into sandwiches. ‘‘Come and eat, who knows when one is likely to get another meal,’’ he said, chewing on a mouthful and offering a plate to a reporter.

Clad in a silk churidar kurta, Mayor Mahadeo Deole straightened his moustache and his hair before he faced TV cameras.

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Voicing resentment at the interruption in operations by politicians, angry hospital employees said ministers should be banned from visiting hospitals during such emergencies. ‘‘Log mar rahe hai aur mantri ko pehla camera chahiye (People are dying and the minister wants the camera first),’’ said a ward boy spitting on the ground.

RUMBLINGS

NSG team arrives today
• MUMBAI: A team of National Security Guards (NSG) from New Delhi will reach here on Tuesday to inspect the blast sites, police said. The team will ascertain the type of explosives used, study the modus operandi of the blast and submit its report to the Government.

It will collect samples of the explosives used in the blasts for testing at the Central Forensic Laboratory.

Taj Mahal Hotel safe
• MUMBAI: No major damage has occurred to the structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel in whose parking area one of the bombs exploded. Ravi Dube, senior vice-president of the hotel, said no guests or employees received injuries. There has been some minor damage to the windows, but there has been no structural damage to the hotel, he added.

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Cellular phones jammed
• MUMBAI: The blasts led to the jamming of cellular phone networks and even MTNL’s landline service. Orange CEO Sandeep Das said: ‘‘Since there was barely any TV coverage immediately after the blasts, people started calling up friends and family to find out if they were safe. Hence the cell load capacity shot up by nearly two to three times the normal use.’’

More security at Kumbh
• NASHIK: Police sounded high alert and security strengthened in Nashik in the midst of the Kumbh Mela, and the presence of a large number of sadhus and devotees. Nashik City Police Commissioner P.T. Lohar said security has specially been stepped up around Sadhugram by activating bomb-detection and disposal squads, sniffer dog squads, commandos and anti-terrorist squads.

Hoax at Anthony’s house
• THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An anonymous call claiming that bombs had been placed in official residences of Kerala CM A.K. Antony and PWD Minister M.K. Muneer turned out to be a hoax on Monday, even as security was kept on high alert in the state after the Mumbai blasts. Antony and Muneer were not at their homes during the day.

Airport bans visitors
• MUMBAI: The entry of visitors to the domestic and international terminals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport has been banned with immediate effect as part of increased security following the explosions on Monday. The ban on visitors’ entry, which was imposed for before August 15, was lifted recently. (Agencies)