Kolkata: Hospitals across Kolkata said they will extend all possible help to Bangladesh patients in the wake of the Free School Street fire. Out of the nine lives claimed by the fire, so far eight have been identified as Bangladeshis. Sources said many among the guests who were shifted to other hotels are from the neighbouring country. They are in Kolkata for treatment.
The number of patients from across the border has been rising in the past few months after the medical visa rules were relaxed six weeks ago. While the fire is unlikely to affect the patient influx, sources said some who were lodged in the affected hotel might have lost some belongings like medical records and documents in the fire. Due to the chaos and confusion, some might even be rescheduling their appointments or treatment plans.
“The hotel fire must have caused anxiety and uncertainty to some patients from Bangladesh and their families. We are extending support for any challenges related to medical documents, doctor appointments, rescheduling, continuity of treatment, and other assistance required to minimize their stress,” said Abhijit CP, director & cluster head (Kolkata) and corporate growth initiatives (East) of Narayana Health.
Bangladesh patients contribute anything between 10% and 15% of revenues for several private hospitals across the state. And after a lull, the count of such patients has seen a surge in the past few weeks.
“Patient count per day from Bangladesh had dwindled down to just about 25 a day. It has increased to 75 in the past few weeks. We hope this hotel fire won’t be a deterrent. As always, we are ready to help them in procedures like rescheduling of appointment or planned procedures if they need,” said Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra.
Sources said that while a patient on a medical visa needs to stay about four to five days, the ones for planned surgeries need longer stays depending on the procedure type.
“If any of those affected by the fire lost some of the documents or medical records, most of these are available with the hospital. They do not need to worry. We will try to extend all possible help,” said an official at Fortis Hospital Anandapur.
Hospitals have also alerted their respective international patient desks to lend all possible support to patients from the neighbouring country.