Games over, hangover not as medical staff cherish their experience

For most of them it was a first-of-its-kind experience — an event they would treasure for the rest of their lives.

For most of them it was a first-of-its-kind experience — an event they would treasure for the rest of their lives.

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Although the Commonwealth Games are over, the 1,877-odd medical staff posted at 19 competition, five non-competition and 18 training venues to attend to athletes, delegates and officials are still cherishing the wonderful experience.

“It was a dream come true to interact with people from 71 countries. A complete humbling experience,” said a doctor who was posted at the polyclinic in Games Village.

Nearly 175 doctors, nurses, paramedics and orderlies were working 24x7 in two shifts to provide emergency care to more than 7,000 athletes and officials living in the Games Village for two weeks.

“We have delivered what we promised. The CWG Federation people even called me up on the last day to appreciate the effort,” said Dr Sarvesh Bhattacharjee, director, Directorate of Health Services (DHS). Bhattacharjee was in-charge of executing the health plan.

As many as 200 people visited the polyclinic each day during the mega-event. The clinic treated around 2,500 people in a fortnight.

“I was a little apprehensive how the foreigners would behave. However, it turned out to be an amazing experience,” said a nurse, who was on duty at the Village.

Those posted at other Games venues also have a similar experience to share.

“We got an international experience sitting in India. In the past 10 days, we must have treated around 1,000 people, and all of them were satisfied,” said Prabhat Ranjan, a physiotherapist with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Ranjan, along with 49 others, was posted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.