by Anjana Mazumdar
My friend has been lying ill in the Civil Hospital for some time past. I learnt about his illness only a few days back and, therefore, I decided to go and look him up.
When I reached the hospital I found it a huge building consisting of several wings with a clock in the middle. The whole approach to the hospital was full of people waiting to be examined or waiting to see their relatives.
When I entered the hospital through a big hall I found that there were a large number of rooms on the left and the right.
The rooms were neat and tidy and there were separate arrangements tor out-door and in-door patients. In the corridors of the hospital there was a great bustle and activity. Doctors and nursing sisters in their white uniforms were moving up and down.
At a short distance, there was an operation theatre, fitted with most modern appliances. Outside the operation theatre, there was a set of stretchers and wheeled chairs. On enquiry I learnt that this was the Casualty Ward where those who are victims of accidents are treated.
After making enquiries from certain people I found the General Ward where my friend was lying. As I entered the General Ward there were cries of groan with pain and rows of beds were laid out on both sides. Here every patient was numbered and on his bed was hanging a detailed chart of his disease and other things.
My friend was on bed No. 48 and when I reached him, I found a small gauze box and a temperature chart by his side. He was now recovering from his illness and was slowly getting back his strength. After remaining with him for some time, I decided to visit the other wards of the hospitals.
As I moved out, found that there was a female ward in which women in-door patients were treated. Then there was the Infectious Disease Ward where patients suffering from contagious diseases were kept in complete segregation and nobody was allowed to