It takes several people to resuscitate a man who arrived at the hospital an hour ago, inches away from death. This summer, Cholera strikes back, with water supplying authority declaring that it cannot guarantee safe water.
Up to 700 patients rushed in for admission in a hospital that can accommodate 250. This is about 200 more than the number the same day a year ago.
We apprehend that the high number of intake may continue. All corridors and main building lobby are now taken over. We made arrangements to vacate the Study Ward (the few study patients are going to be housed in a smaller room) to make room for 20 acutely ill patients.
Staff have responded with a missionary zeal, they have given up leaves. Sister Momtaz was down with an attack of asthma yesterday but came back today to work with full vigor.
Some staff have to work 16 hours non-stop. The hospital reciprocates this gesture with tea and a meal for those taking care of patients on extended hours.
Many research staff have been relocated to help the doctors and nurses, we are happy to see that they are cheerfully doing their job and taking the challenge to make sure we exert all-out effort to overcome this situation.
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