Mohalla clinic at Delhi Pavilion witnesses impressive footfall

Despite reports of lower turnout during the ongoing trade fair due to demonetisation, the Delhi government’s mohalla clinic and education department’s stall at the Delhi Pavilion is witnessing a massive footfall. Majority of visitors, thronging the state pavilion, are curious about the government’s initiatives, but are concerned about the Centre’s drive to curb black money. 

The presence of doctors and other health staff is proving beneficial to hundreds of visitors as they are availing medical aid, especially OPD facility, on the spot for free.

This time, the Delhi Pavilion has set up a makeshift mohalla clinic, which is recording a massive footfall. The clinic has atleast one doctor, an assistant and other staff, who work in shifts. With a doctor’s chamber, patient’s bed and enough space in the waiting area, the clinic appears to be meeting its purpose – attending to people. 

The patients, who are mainly visitors, have been approaching the clinic with various problems such as throat infection due to cold and pollution, swollen foot, headache, cough, etc. The staff on-duty are providing medical assistance to patients, including distribution of medicines for free. The availability of crepe bandage and several kinds of ointment is also attracting patients suffering from swollen foot.

“We have been sitting at the clinic in shifts, so that we can attend to the maximum number of patients. People, having health issues, are being provided proper treatment. If a visitor has a severe problem, the case is referred to a government hospital. From free medicines to beds for patients, we have made all arrangements to help people,” said Dr Deepak, who was attending to patients since Sunday morning.

The other staff informed that the clinic has been working on lines of the mohalla clinic concept, which is a distinct feature in the pavilion this year. 

“The clinic at the Delhi Pavilion has been set up on lines of mohalla clinic. We have been attending to 150-250 patients daily, which is quite satisfactory. At present, the city has a total of 235 mohalla clinics,” said Narendra Kumar, a staffer at the clinic. 

The patients, visiting the trade fair, too, have welcomed the Delhi government’s initiative. “I had swollen feet and was provided medicines for that on the spot for free. After one-and-a-half hours of rest, I am feeling better,’ said Pradeep Singh, a middle-aged visitor at the clinic.

Another centre of attraction is the Education Department’s stall, which houses dummy classrooms, students and teachers. The visitors are being informed about the revolutionary measures taken by the government to improve the quality of education. Emphasis is being laid to make people aware about the importance of education.