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Journalism of Courage
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.
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.
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