A VISIT TO A CLINIC

I cautiously stepped into the bustling corridor of the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD), my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The sterile, clinical scent in the air made me momentarily hesitate, but I pressed on. This wasn’t my first time in a hospital, but it felt like the first day of school all over again. I couldn’t help but marvel at the opulence around me; it was as if I had walked into a five-star hotel, rather than a medical facility.

A vigilant security guard with full uniform, opened the door with a courteous nod as I approached the entrance. His uniform was pristine, his demeanour exuding professionalism. It was a reassuring sight, and I stepped inside with newfound confidence.

Just beyond the entrance, a welcoming lady stood behind a sleek counter, ready to assist incoming patients. She greeted us with a warm smile and asked the purpose of our visit. It was a simple question, yet it carried the weight of our health concerns. My companion and I exchanged glances before I replied, “We’re here to see Dr.Mahanta.”

Upon hearing our response, the lady efficiently collected our information and handed us a numbered coupon. We followed her directions to an adjacent waiting area, our designated spot until our coupon number was highlighted in the display. It was there that we found ourselves amidst a diverse group of people, each with their unique stories and anxieties, all bound together by the common thread of seeking medical care.

As I settled into our seats, I couldn’t help but observe the pace of the proceedings. At that moment, only one counter was operational, and a sense of sluggishness hung in the air. It was evident that the hospital was facing some logistical challenges, with the other counter remaining eerily vacant.

Minutes ticked away, and the slow-moving queue inched forward. Conversations buzzed around us as patients and their companions engaged in hushed exchanges. Some shared stories of previous visits, while others discussed their expectations for today’s appointment. Time seemed to stretch, and impatience began to gnaw at my nerves.

Soon two more counters opened and speed now is getting better. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, our coupon number was displayed in the electronic board. We approached the designated desk, where a diligent clerk awaited our arrival. She seemed to possess an uncanny ability to extract all the necessary details swiftly, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she recorded our information. In a matter of minutes, she handed us a meticulously prepared file and advised us to proceed to room number 18, where Dr. Mahanta would be available.

Before we left, we settled our registration fees at a nearby counter. The cashier handled our transaction with the same efficiency we had encountered earlier, leaving us with no further delay. Armed with our paperwork and a sense of purpose, we set off in search of room number 18.

The hospital’s layout was a maze of corridors and interconnected wings, but the signage was clear and concise. We navigated the labyrinthine hallways with ease, our anticipation building with every step. Finally, we arrived at room number 18, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw yet another desk in front of the closed door.

Patiently, we approached the desk, where a nurse sat, her gaze focused on her computer screen. She acknowledged our presence with a nod gestured for us to take a seat in the adjacent waiting area and collected the file we carried. It seemed that the journey was far from over; we were now in the hands of the medical staff, awaiting the arrival of Dr. Mahanta.

As we settled into the comfortable chairs, I couldn’t help but reflect on the intricate dance that was healthcare. From the security guard at the entrance to the clerk who meticulously recorded our information, every individual played a crucial role in this orchestrated symphony of care. Each step in the process, despite its occasional sluggishness, was proof of the dedication of the hospital’s staff with machine-like behaviour. The jurisdiction of each one is clearly defined.

Time passed in measured increments, punctuated by the soft hum of conversation and the distant echo of footsteps in the corridor. The minutes turned into an hour, and I found myself growing increasingly restless. I wondered about the doctor’s schedule, the challenges they faced each day, and the countless lives they touched.

As we settled in, the nurse assured us that the doctor would be with us shortly. The room was filled with the subtle hum of medical equipment, and the sterility of the surroundings served as a stark reminder of the purpose of our visit. Yet, there was an air of professionalism and competence that put us at ease. The nurse ushered us into the examination room and kindly instructed us to lie down on the crisp, white hospital bed. As we settled in, she began her routine check-ups, her movements precise and methodical.

First, she wrapped the blood pressure cuff around my arm, the rhythmic tightening and loosening of the cuff accompanied by the soft sound of the electronic monitor. She was beautiful and had a very pleasing smile that she carried all the time. I felt the gentle pressure on my arm, and I watched as the numbers on the screen fluctuated. The nurse, with a reassuring smile, noted down the blood pressure reading in my file.

Next, she directed her attention to the nearby scale. With careful precision, she asked me to step onto it, one by one. The digital display blinked momentarily, and our respective weights were recorded. The nurse’s professionalism and discretion put me at ease, despite the vulnerability that often accompanies medical examinations. With all the necessary data collected, the nurse meticulously arranged the file on the doctor’s table, ready for Dr. Mahanta’s evaluation. It was a moment of transition, where the information gathered during this initial assessment would become a crucial part of our medical history, guiding the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

Minutes later, Dr.Mahanta entered the room, exuding an aura of confidence and expertise. He greeted me with a warm smile and began to review the file that had been meticulously prepared by the earlier desk clerk and the nurse inside. Their attention to detail was evident as they asked probing questions about my medical history and current concerns. All are duly recorded in the file for the doctor to see, saving a lot of time for the doctor.

Dr. Mahanta’s presence commanded respect, and his warm demeanour put us at ease. He began the consultation by asking a series of detailed questions about the symptoms that had brought us to the hospital. His inquiries were thorough and pointed, leaving no stone unturned as he sought to understand the nature of my ailment.

With a measured tone, Dr. Mahanta inquired about our family’s medical history, recognizing the role that genetics can play in health issues. I shared what was asked, and each detail added to the growing picture of my medical profile.

Next, Dr. Mahanta conducted a physical examination, leaving no aspect of our health unexamined. They checked our eyes, carefully inspecting for any tell-tale signs of underlying issues. Their keen observation extended to our tongue, an often-overlooked indicator of certain health conditions.

With the stethoscope draped around their neck, Dr. Mahanta proceeded to perform a comprehensive abdominal examination. They pressed and probed from all sides, their trained hands seeking any abnormalities. The rhythmic whooshing and thumping of the stethoscope against my skin filled the room, a reminder of the precision with which they conducted their assessment.

The journey through the hospital had been a testimony to the dedication of its staff, from the vigilant security guard at the entrance to the efficient desk clerks and nurses who guided us along the way. At the heart of it all was Dr. Mahanta, a healthcare professional committed to providing the best possible care to their patients.

In a world where health is a precious commodity, the hospital had served as a sanctuary of care, where the pursuit of well-being was paramount as it looked to be. I was thinking about the care and professionalism that carried with the patients a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every patient’s journey is one of healing, hope, and compassion. All patients are equal and simply object to them with a tag and they are doing their duty as such with a smile always on their face like a machine obeying a command precisely.

Finally, Dr. Mahanta completed his examination and went to his chair and I was sitting in front. He turned his attention to me, his eyes meeting mine with a reassuring smile. He began to explain his assessment first-hand and outlined his recommended course of action. It was at this point that my expectations were met with a surprise.

Dr. Mahanta’s prescription was basically a list of advisories of various expensive tests and procedures as I had feared. He recommended meeting him again with all the test results, to facilitate him to prescribe after making a proper and final diagnosis. 

As I exited his chamber, I couldn’t help but reflect on the complex and interconnected web of individuals who had played a part in our healthcare journey to meticulous perfection giving us a feeling of five-star health care.

In a world where health is a precious commodity, the hospital has served as a sanctuary of care, where the pursuit of well-being should have been paramount but it seems that luxury in health care is equally important to provide a profitable business creating an environment of luxuries and professionalism and is possible only for the rich.

 As we stepped out into the bustling world beyond, I carried with me a very uncomfortable feeling and thinking about the poor who can not afford these luxuries and also have a lot of difficulties and overcrowding in the government health care system bringing the richer people to these luxurious services at a cost only they can afford. It is a win-win situation for both.  Compassionate health care moves to a big business proposition.

I decided not to do any of such expensive tests and decided to visit an old MBBS doctor who has a chamber nearby. After some wait, he started examining me in his chamber and prescribed two medicines to continue for a month and visit him after a month. I was very surprised and told him my story, a few hours back and showed him the prescription of Dr Mahanta. He looked at it with interest and said, no need to do any such test as I have a simple age and weather-related condition which should go out within a few days. he gives a meaningful look to my face. I showed my gratitude to him and left his place. with his medicine, I was fit within a week and coming back to my routine. I thought about Doctors like Dr Mahanta, who even having very high qualifications and knowing better than the MBBS doctor was compelled to prescribe all the available tests in their hospital to the patients only to run a five-star empire and become part of it forgetting the oath they took some time in their college days.