My Cousin’s Tragic Accident and the Harsh Reality of Our System

On December 19th, my younger cousin had a life-changing accident while returning home after meeting his colleague. He’s one of the most humble, kind, and hardworking people I know. A role model among all my cousins. At the entrance of Chennai (Perungalathur), he hit a pothole and was struck by a government bus. The impact left him with severe injuries to his left leg, spine, pelvis, hand, and shoulder. Strangers rushed him to Chromepet Government Hospital (GH), and we were informed shortly after. When we arrived, we were told he was being shifted to Rajiv Gandhi GH for advanced treatment. However, he lay unattended for over two hours, bleeding heavily and unable to feel anything below his hips. Seeing him in this state, crying in pain, broke all of us, especially his mother. Despite the dire situation, the staff at the GH refused to help without being bribed. They asked for money first. We gave 100/-, and then they said, "We are two people; give at least 100/- more for tea." Where on earth do they sell tea for 100/-? Tha, enna Airport poitaa tea kudika poranga! Keta, they simply said that it includes tiffin. Then, we asked if we could take the blood-soaked bedsheet with him to the ambulance for his comfort, since he was in heavy pain and bleeding from his leg. They initially agreed but then demanded another 100/-, saying, "We can’t give it without money." So, we gave 100/-, and they helped carry him to the ambulance. After we placed him in the ambulance, they forcibly pulled the sheet away, causing him even more pain. This experience shattered me. What happens to those who can’t afford private hospitals or bribes? How do we tolerate such apathy in a system meant to care for the needy? We eventually moved him to a private hospital, where he underwent five surgeries. He still has no sensation below his hips and requires more treatment, costing over rupees 30 lakhs. We’ve spent everything... our savings, the office insurance (5 lakhs), gold, and other belongings just to manage so far, but we still need help. We are now seeking help through a fundraiser to cover his medical expenses. Please, be cautious if you’re driving on the Chengalpattu-Tambaram road, especially on a bike. Since my cousin’s accident, over 20 other accidents, including fatalities, have been reported on this stretch as of December’s end. Stay safe, and take care of everyone around you. To anyone working in government hospitals: if you’re reading this, I plead with you. Stop asking for money from those seeking help. If they had money, they wouldn’t come to GH. Everyone knows private hospitals provide better care. People come to GH because they have no choice, because they can’t afford anything else. Don’t make them feel worse. Don’t make them feel that their lack of money means they can’t support their loved ones. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s cruel. Please show kindness. Spread love, not pain. Thank you for reading, and I wish you all safety, health, and happiness. About the removal of content: I edited the post with the fundraiser link since some of you asked me to add the link for contributions and support. I missed the guideline about not adding links to the post, so it was removed by the moderator. Apologies for the inconvenience, and I’m reposting it again. Sorry! https://preview.redd.it/a6jlyxik7lce1.png?width=867&format=png&auto=webp&s=944d9278f7222c0e0048df8b164080b03cd95fae