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In the second part of the article, Tabassum details the dos and don’ts for the caregivers of patients visiting Chennai, a healthcare destination in Southeast Asia – exclusively for Different Truths.
The hospital cafeteria is safe. So, wait and give them time to serve you. Some names may sound alien. Almost all hospitals have Bangla-speaking staff to help you.
The hospitals have their pathology and other test departments. If you have difficulty understanding English or Hindi, request an interpreter. Respect the rules of the hospitals, especially the number of people allowed in the lift or the entrance and exit.
Wear a mask and sanitize. This is mandatory.
Follow the rules of the pharmacy. Each hospital has a different system.
Follow the rules of the pharmacy. Each hospital has a different system. You are asked whether you are paying by cash or card. Accordingly, they make the receipt and prepare your medication in the basket. Your name is called to pay and collect the medicine. Some hospitals follow the simple queue system.
About the payment, always be prepared with the exact amount. Some departments only accept the exact amount. Don’t be disappointed because they do this to save time.
Please always be on the lookout for the dispatch. The reports are delivered there.
Put your files in order and separate the billings before you meet the doctor for the second or third time. It saves your and their time.
Do find the disposal bin if you have tea /coffee and water. Don’t leave empty cups, glasses or bottles in the waiting area. Indeed, we don’t want to make an unhealthy environment and create a wrong impression about ourselves.
Kindly keep your voice soft and low.
Kindly keep your voice soft and low. The hospital is not a place for talking aloud or for shouting.
Use the hospital toilet properly. Ask for assistance from the cleaner if you need one.
The South is one of the best places in India for vegetarian food. South Indian food may convert a nonveg person to a vegetarian one. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the variety of South vegetarian dishes. The South also offers non-vegetarian food with spices. Those who don’t want to go out of their comfort zone may easily find Bengali food at Greams Road, where you find shops with a Bangla sign board.
It will be a miss if you don’t try filtered coffee in South India.
If you have time, visit the Chennai Public library, the museum, and Saint Paul’s Church. Marina Beach is a tourist attraction, but it takes time to go there. The extreme heat and those who can bear the heat may visit the beach.
T-Nagar is a place for saree shopping.
T-Nagar is a place for saree shopping. You may visit the place to learn about the richness of the handwoven cloths and South jewellery. There are many restaurants. The famous chats, dosa, and sweets are a must-try.
The South is famous for Kanjivaram sarees, and there is a village where these sarees are woven. Those visiting with patients might not have the time or the will to visit that place.
Don’t forget to notice the unique colourful temples of the South. And look at the beautiful flowers by the side of the road. It’s eye soothing and gives your mind serenity and peace.
Those not into sarees and jewellery may visit Mount Road to look at the aesthetic and famous Tanjore painting, beautiful sculptures, wooden work and handicrafts.
Chennai is a beautiful city with friendly people. If you think your taxi driver is taking advantage of you being a stranger, stop at a place, search for an English-speaking one and ask for help. Trust me; they will help you wholeheartedly and give such a speech in the Tamil language that the taxi driver won’t cause unnecessary delay.
You can also complain about your taxi driver to the hospital security if you have the right reasons for complaint. They will note down the number of the taxi, and you won’t face such problems again.
Be humble and polite. Politeness is not weakness.
Be humble and polite. Politeness is not weakness. Be kind to the hospital staff, from guards to café staff or cleaners. Their collective work makes it possible to run the smooth functioning of the hospital, and that is how we get the proper healthcare service.
Before departure, do carry a vaccination card and health declaration certificate. Print copies because these are checked. Chennai airport is beautiful. If you have time, explore the beautiful décor of the airport.
Do visit the city with respect and admiration because the South of India doesn’t only offer you excellent healthcare but also big-hearted hospitability, care, safety and beauty. We are wishing you all a Bon Voyage to Chennai!
Link to part one: A Helpful Guide to the Patients Travelling to Chennai – I – Different Truths
Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths
