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Living half a world away from COVID-stricken Indian relatives, Sydney doctor Yadu Singh has beat back his frustration at being unable to help by providing lifesaving medical guidance via phone, text and video chat.
It was 4am AEST and finally, bleary-eyed, the veteran cardiologist had found a hospital bed for his niece s husband.
The patient would have to endure a gruelling eight-hour drive out of virus-swamped Delhi, but at the end of the road lay the promise of oxygen, and with it, a chance for survival.
Like many in India s millions-strong diaspora, Dr Singh has watched in abject horror as coronavirus consumes the country, infecting more than 360,000 people every day.
Every night during dinner, Saideepika Rayala and her family turn on news from India, where most of their extended family still lives.
The scenes they see playing out there are heartbreaking for the teenager, who said she s seen people turned away from hospitals because there s not enough space as the nation battles a deadly second wave of COVID-19. People aren t even getting the chance to live, said the 19-year-old, who lives with her parents in Powell while she attends Yale University virtually this semester. I ve been trying to cope with everything, and seeing the news kind of destroys the sense of normalcy you re trying to feel here.
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When Sachin Sharmaâs entire family in India was diagnosed with COVID-19 about a week ago, he was desperate to jump on a plane and be there for them.
His mother, 62, and father, 71, are in critical need of hospital care. His sister, 35, and niece, 5, also have the virus and are unable to leave their home.
Shachin Sharma is unable to travel to India to care for his critically ill family.
Credit:Rhett Wyman
Mr Sharma, 40 from Hornsby, applied to the federal government for permission to go to India, but was knocked back.
The tighter travel rules announced on Tuesday have left him with little hope for any future requests.
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When Sachin Sharma’s entire family in India was diagnosed with COVID-19 about a week ago, he was desperate to jump on a plane and be there for them.
His mother, 62, and father, 71, are in critical need of hospital care. His sister, 35, and niece, 5, also have the virus and are unable to leave their home.
Shachin Sharma is unable to travel to India to care for his critically ill family.
Credit:Rhett Wyman
Mr Sharma, 40 from Hornsby, applied to the federal government for permission to go to India, but was knocked back.
The tighter travel rules announced on Tuesday have left him with little hope for any future requests.
TN lags behind nine States in Covid-19 vaccination drive
April 29, 2021
Crowd seen at the Omandurar Government Hospital in Chennai - Bijoy Ghosh×
Lack of supply, people’s hesitation cited as reasons for slow progress When it comes to healthcare Tamil Nadu has always been cut above the rest – be it in terms of infrastructure, public facilities and accessibility due to a strong network.
While the State also managed the Covid-19 crisis well, it is, however, lagging behind in vaccinationg. As of Wednesday (8 am), Tamil Nadu had received 65.3 lakh vaccine doses and consumed (including wastages) 61.7 lakh doses.
At least 9 States – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala - are ahead. Maharashtra is the top state with total consumption (including wastages) of 1.53 crore doses.