Dec 19, 2002 10:26 AM
14209 Views
(Updated Oct 23, 2014 02:27 AM)
Smoking, Stress, Sedentary Life Style are a surefire recipe to invite disaster. I patronized a lifestyle which was replete with these vices over a major portion of my life and invited the disaster in the form of heart ailment(CAD). Well, the things got too hot and I was unable to walk a distance of 50 meters without suffering extreme chest pain(angina). I received as many advices as I could from all and sundry on treatment and hospitals. Sufficient to say that I followed their advice blindly and suffered considerable monetary loss besides unbearable physical pain which was avoidable. In short, I was a victim of unscrupulous quacks who were ready to make a fast buck out of my misfortune. That is when I decided to take the issue in my own hands rather than allowing it to be managed by others. I chose to seek further treatment at Wockhardt Hospital & Heart Institute in Bangalore.
My choice was based on the premise that Wodkhardt enjoyed a certain reputation right from its inception in Bangalore. Considered as pioneers in cardiac care, the name inspired a sense of confidence in heart patients. During my consultation with the cardiologist I realized that I was in right hands. I felt I had made the right choice. Rest was upto the Almighty. I would like to share with you an unforgettable incident which happened during my stay there. I was slated to undergo an angiogram on 17 Nov.01 which was a Saturday. During the test I developed complications on account of which they decided to perform the surgery on 19 Nov. 01 at 6.00 am. This was Monday. I had carried enough money to cover the expenses of this procedure(angiogram). But I had not anticipated that I will have to undergo surgery so soon. As a rule I had to deposit a big amount(around Rs. 100, 000) before the operation. Obviously the money was not readily available with me. Since the following day was Sunday I was unable to deposit this huge sum; nor could have drawn it from the bank. That is when I explained my predicament to a doctor at hand and told him to postpone the operation till I met the financial obligation. To my utter surprise he returned a few minutes later and informed me that the operation will proceed as scheduled and that I could pay up after the operation. Besides the deposit, we needed thousands more for medicines and other materials required for surgery.
The pharmacy at Wockhardt came forward to help us till we could repay. The trust they reposed in me was, indeed, touching. The operation went on as planned.
The staff are thorough in their respective disciplines. Prior to surgery all the investigations are done in a proficient manner. The operating surgeon has a personal talk with the patient a day before the operation. This infuses optimism and reduces anxiety. The post-operative care is remarkable. The Nursing Department is outstanding to say the least. Care in the ICU is superb. The doctors attending on the patients are very chivalrous, and understanding. Rooms are clean and comfortable. The in-house food served may not be palatable to some patients. But they have a choice to source their own food.
Wockhardt has some of the most brilliant doctors in heart care today. Dr. Vivek Jawali, a highly distinguished cardiac surgeon heads the surgical team. The hospital has attempted very complicated and high risk cases also with success. Of late, many new hospitals offering treatment for heart ailments have come up in Bangalore. Yet, Wockhardt has carved its own niche. It has a character of its own. The young, dynamic and handsome MBA running this institute is a model of modesty. Before my departure from Bangalore I went to meet and thank him. The receptionist sent word to him. Of course, I expected that I would be permitted to go to his office when he was free. Well, that is not his style. Mr. Vishal Bali came down from his office to meet me. Professionalism and courtesy at its highest.
Now you may be wondering about the bottom line - the cost incurred on the whole procedure including hospitalization. If you think it is expensive, trust me dear friends, comparatively it is lesser than what other heart-care hospitals would charge. But then, what is money when it is the question of your life. You don’t have to worry about hospitals and the costs if you avoid the 6 Ss. Smoking, Stress & Sedentary lifestyle are good enough to kill you; but if you are in a hurry to meet your Creator, you can add plenty of Salt, Sugar and Saturated Fats(junk food) to your diet. You can bet on that. Wishing you all a very healthy and long life.
Arshad Khan
