©Dr. Vishwa Ratan2021 All rights reserved All rights reserved by author. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author. Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within. First Published in April 2021 ISBN: 978-93-5427-543-2

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In Memory of My parents and Brothers Late Bishwanath Prasad kumar IPS Late Meena kumar Late JN Prasad IRS—my uncle Late Kanti Bhua Late ER Bishwamani kumar- My loving Elder brother Late ER Sanjay Prasad—Fine, brilliant, IITian Dr Navin Prasad—Budding Medico Late Kamleshwar Prasad.

Acknowledgements

This book was not possible to write unless I had the the loving support and encouragement of the following Dr Purnima Ratan, for her unstinting support. Rahul Ratan, Persis, Er Rohit Ratan, Er Shivangi Nayara- my granddaughter Palak priya, Nilika Prof Hrishikesh mishra, Dr Ravieshwar pd sinha. Dr Renu sinha, Dr Basant narain singh, Dr HN Diwaker, Dr RK Jha, Dr Shailendra, Nilmani, Dr Kanika, Dr Suman Singhal, Dr Meenakashi, Dr Nilratan, Dr Atul Mullick and Kastav Mani for their constant encouragement.

Preface

On 11march WHO classified Covid 19 as a pandemic and since then many international organizations have been assessing this outlook around the clock and are deeply concerned by its alarming levels of spread and severity. Every country is facing this pandemic--a nature’s fury. As the world has been struggling, many stories of human values, sacrifices have emerged. All the stories in this book are true, which took place in different regions of the world. Pandemic stories have taught about Survival in difficult times and importance of love. Above all the value of sacrifice has been highlighted in the book. Thanks a million to Doctors, para-medical staff, Nurses, who fought day and night to save many dying patients. Many lives have been saved by the heroic efforts of the medical people. My gratitude to medical people, Police, Bankers and all the persons who have are still fighting this pandemic.

Contents

Her Last Wish: Italy .................................................. 1 Dr Simon Hercules- A covid Warrior: India ............ 10 Reinventing: Turkey. ............................................... 21 Dr Li__His wish: China ........................................... 31 The love blossoms-A saga of war: Syria.................... 32 The Amazon Trail: Brazil ........................................ 44 I also have feeling I am not a Hero: New York......... 52 Second Wave: Iran .................................................. 60 The Forgotten Doctor: India ................................... 67 Vaccine ................................................................... 76

Her Last Wish

Italy It was a cloudy morning and,the dark sky, had enveloped the entire city of Lombardy, Italy. It was freezing cold in the month of late February, sometimes dipping to minus temperature, and lately fog had been covering Lombardy, a city which is in the North west region of Italy. It is one of the most populous, and productive region in the county. The city is famous for its historical world heritage sites. It’s also, having the Alpine relief, mountains, Which is so magical and beautiful. The mighty Po river, flows alongside with multiple lakes. Surrounding these natural bounties are the dwarf pine and flowery Rhododendron trees. The city was so calm and beautiful unaware of the impending pandemic of corona virus which was about to explode. Dr Alice, had come to her consultation chamber, quite early in the morning. She was an Eye specialist and had been working in the Lombardy city Hospital for long number of years. In medical college days, ophthalmology had really fascinated her. Through this subject, she could directly visualize the anatomy of vascular system of human body through pupil and could predict many systemic diseases. 1

Through hard and constant efforts, she did her masters and further specialized in Retinal problems. Dr. Alice was sitting in her clinic but her mind was not at ease, as she was constantly worried about the reports of corona virus cases being recorded and that too also in Lombardy region. Since details of the outbreaks were not available, she kept on imagining situations from normal life to a chaotic one. But quickly she brushed aside her thoughts and looked at the clinic’s door, as a new patient, entered her chamber for consultations. Her name was Harris, nearly 79 years old. Her clinic was an extension of her home, which was well equipped with modern instruments, and having an operation room also. The clinic was tastefully decorated and the entire room, gave confidence to the incoming patients. “Hello! how are you. Please sit down -said Alice”. “Good morning, doctor, I am well” patient answered. “what’s your problem? asked Alice. After listening to the problems of patient, she wrote a prescription stating that she was Suffering from cataract and needs to be operated. Morris, understood that she is having cataract. She had heard a lot about the problem and she knew very many details, including the operative procedures. “Ok, I understand, so when do you plan to do the surgery asked Morris. “well let me check up with the schedule of the month”. Said Dr. Alice “Doctor, I have heard that there is strange illness, some kind of viral infection” – inquired Morris. Morris was concerned that her operation may be delayed because of the new problem. 2

“Yes, I have also come to know about it, but you do not worry, I will soon fix up the date for surgery” replied Alice. Morris left the room and went away happily that soon she will be able to see things in a much better way and she will not be much dependent on others for daily works. Dr. Alice, went on examining other patients. She had also to go to hospital, where she was working. As she entered hospital she could feel so much silence in the corridors. She wondered, why this change. As she entered her room, her assistant said “Dr Alice, have you heard that in our hospital, in our OPD, doctors have diagnosed a case of corona virus but it’s not confirmed as lab reports are awaited. “What a suspected case in our hospital! no its really bad” exclaimed Alice. Well, let’s hope and pray that the lab report turns out to be negative”. Wished Alice. “I hope it’s like that, Dr. Alice,” her assistant nodded. The city hospital was one of the best in the Lombardy region and the medical faculty too the best among the lot in Italy. This thought comforted her too much and gave confidence to her. Soon she was involved in her work and by late evening, she was back to her home. By evening, she was free to read books, spend time with family and watch Tv. Relaxed, she opened the TV and as she tuned the news channel, she was terrified to hear the rapid rise of covid cases, all over Italy. Within a matter of few days, from a few cases it had gone up to hundreds. In fact, in Lombardy region here was significant rise of cases. 3

Dr. Alice, was in a deep thought. Her fears, her duties, all started to come before her eyes. There were warning that people above 60 years of age, should stay in home only. She mentally struggled with multiple thoughts till she went to bed. One thing, she had decided to continue her practice as usual because she thought, her patients, needed her more. In the morning, as she opened the computer, looking for E-mails, her eye caught an E-mail from her hospital. The director of the hospital had given instruction to Medical faculty, that, doctors, who were 60years and above, need not come to hospital. Immediately, she reverted back and requested that she may be allowed to work, even as a volunteer. Whole day long, she waited for the reply but there was no response. In the evening, she got a reply that, presently, please, do not come and she will be informed, if needed by hospital. Dr Alice, was not happy about the hospital’s decision. Anyway, she decided to carry on with her clinic practice. The hospital had stopped her coming as she was above 60 years and the elderly population had been discouraged to go outside as chances of covid mortality increases with age. Next morning, Dr. Alice, got a call from Mrs. Morris, “Hello, doctor, how are you? Have you decided the date of cataract surgery”? She inquired. “Yes, I will do the surgery two days later, replied Alice and gave few instructions for the day of surgery. Alice was happy, that at least, she will be working from home only. Meanwhile, she kept tracking the pandemic and in particular Lombardy region. She was more disturbed that, number of deaths were also increasing. So, all 4

together, it was all-out fight again human and virus, andAlice, was forced to think about practicing or close it for a few months. The risk was more, if she continued her practice. Finally, she decided that, Morris will her last operation, till covid is under control. Alice had developed liking for Morris, as she was not only old but leading a lonely life. Mrs. Morris needed all kindness and medical attention. And Alice was now peaceful, that she had decided to operate Morris, before she closed her clinic. On Friday morning as per schedule, Mrs. Morris, came to the clinic. As soon as she reported to clinic, she was shifted to the operation theatre for Pre-operative procedures. Mrs. Morris was nervous but she knew she was in safe hands. Dr. Alice, entered OT and steadily, the surgery took place. Dr. Alice was an excellent Surgeon and within fifteen minutes, the surgery was over “Well, Mrs. Morris your cataract surgery has gone very well, please relax and wait in the another room for half hour and after that you can go home”. Alice instructed. Mrs. Morris was very happy to hear such nice comforting words from Alice. Soon she was shifted to the next room for use of Post -operated drugs in her eye. After examining her, Alice told her to go home and to come back tomorrow for a follow- up. Dr. Alice was very satisfied that she was able to keep her promise to Mrs. orris as after her operation, her clinic was going to be closed for an indefinite Period. She instructed her staff that due to fear of spread of Covid cases, the clinic will remain close and whenever things will improve, they will be notified. Thus, her 5