1. I feel I'm trapped in a post-apocalyptic film.The government has fallen and citizens are dependent on each other trying to stay alive by pooling and fighting for resources. Someone was quoted Rs 3 lakh for an oxygen concentrator in the black market. Medicines are short.
Most pharmacies in my area have stopped delivery or are out of stock for basic meds. Oxygen cylinders are Rs 25000-35000 for 10 litres. (I was forced to buy). Nebulizers aren't available. A couple of med stores are even out of pulse oxymeters.A lung CT for a patient whose oxygen
Was 58 in the morning and transported everywhere hooked to a cylinder, was going to take three hours. "There are 27 patients ahead of you." An oxygen cylinder lasts 5 hours barely, and is taking (without contacts) a full day in line to fill. Ie, if the plants are operating.
Hospitals don't have beds and are turning patients away. If you're lucky and you get a bed, then you have to arrange your own oxygen. (All of the process above). Covid facilities only have beds and if available, a few oxygen machines for hundreds of patients. And yet,
I see doctors and other frontline healthcare staff are desperately trying their best. Bravely. They're dead tired on their feet, and sometimes they snap at you, but most of the time they're forcing themselves to plod on, to help as many. It breaks my heart.
Oh and even after 14 days and payment of Rs 900, my whole covid treatment running its course, I still don't have my RTPCR report, which means if something were to happen to me, most hospitals won't even admit without a positive covid report.