Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091458940800.htm

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Relatives throng government hospitals

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI: Anxious relatives thronged various government hospitals in the city where victims of the serial blasts on Saturday were taken by the Delhi police and ambulances. At least 20 people were killed and about a 100 injured in the blasts. Authorities in hospitals claimed that the numbers could go up.

All government hospitals, including the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital, the Lok Nayak Jaya Prakash Narayan hospital and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, were put on alert. The Red Cross Society also pitched in with volunteers for blood donation. Most government hospitals lined up stretchers outside the emergency ward with hospital staff waiting to wheel in the victims being brought in by the police.

RML Hospital Chief Medical Officer (Emergency Services) S.K. Sharma said: “Till about 9 p.m. we had admitted 55 injured people, of whom five are critical and eight were brought dead. Five victims needed surgery and are being readied for it. We are on standby for more patients. The death toll might increase.”

Afsal, whose relative Zahid (25), a blast victim, is admitted to the RML Hospital, said: “Zahid was injured in the blast at Central Park in Connaught Place. He had gone there with some of his friends when the blast took place. He has sustained injuries on the legs and was brought to the hospital by the police.”

Raj Bhutani, whose relative Goldie Pawa (29) was injured in the blast at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, said: “Goldie has injuries on the legs. He told us that he was trying to cross the roads when there was a blast in an autorickshaw and then there was dense smoke all around. Some people fell over him crushing him and some splinters hit his legs. He was rushed to the hospital by the police. There is a sense of shock and terror.”

Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri said: “Patients have been admitted to various government and private hospitals and we are constantly in touch with the hospital authorities to ensure that the patients are well taken care of. Blood, medicines and other needs of the victims are being looked into. Some of the victims who need urgent surgery are also being attended to.”

Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra, who was among those who visited the victims at the RML Hospital, called the blasts a very sad and shameful act. “Such cowardly acts will not bring down the spirit of the Delhiites. We appeal to the people of Delhi to stay together and urge the youth to help the blast victims.”