From Vision to Reality:

On March 20, 2024,

The atmosphere at the Civil Hospital was buzzing with excitement and pride. This was the day we inaugurated the new Stroke Unit ICU in 5D and 6D wards of New Civil Hospital, Surat., we took a significant step forward in our mission to provide better care for stroke patients. I, Kinjal, had been deeply involved in this project and was thrilled to see it come to fruition. The effort put in by everyone, especially Dr. Paresh Zanzmera, our Principal Investigator, Dr Amit Gamit, our Co-Principal Investigator, Shobhana Chaudhari, our data entry operator, and nursing staff from 5d and 6d, especially my beloved Aruna sister (in-charge) and HOD of medicine Dr KN Bhatt, the Dean, Dr Ragini Verma of the hospital, the Superintendent, and the RMO, was truly remarkable.

Dr. Ketan, our RMO, played a crucial role due to his valuable contacts and support. He helped us invite Dr Sourabh Pardhi, the IAS officer and Collector of Surat, who graced the event with his presence. Additionally, we had the honour of welcoming Dr. Rohit Bhatia and Dr. Sweta from AIIMS Delhi. The presence of these distinguished guests added to the significance of the occasion.

The inauguration ceremony was a grand affair. Dr. Rohit Bhatia and Dr. Sourabh Pardhi cut the ribbon, officially opening the new Stroke Unit ICU. The event was well-covered by the media, adding to the excitement. Our nursing staff, senior and junior residents, interns, and faculty members were all present, making it a memorable gathering.

We had taken great care to decorate the wards beautifully, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patients. After the formal inauguration, we celebrated by giving everyone ice cream, which was a delightful treat. The celebrations were followed by insightful lectures from Dr. Rohit Bhatia, who shared his vast knowledge and experience with us. His words were inspiring and provided valuable insights into stroke care. (PS: I always look forward to attending his lectures)

Following the lectures, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was another opportunity for everyone to come together and reflect on our hard work and achievements. After lunch, Dr Sweta took charge of inspecting our site. Her thorough review of our documents and procedures was a critical part of the day. She praised our efforts, noting that we had done an excellent job in setting up the unit. Her positive feedback was incredibly rewarding and validated all the hard work we had put into the project.

As the day drew to a close, Dr. Paresh Zanzmera, our guiding force throughout this project, took a moment to thank me personally. His words meant the world to me. He acknowledged the challenges we faced and how my dedication played a significant role in overcoming them. Hearing him say that our work could potentially transform our site into an AIIMS-like centre was incredibly motivating. His belief in my potential and the acknowledgement of my efforts made me feel on top of the world. I responded by expressing my gratitude and emphasizing that our success was a result of collective efforts. It was a team achievement, and I was proud to be a part of it.

The day ended on a high note, filled with satisfaction and joy. It was a day that highlighted the importance of teamwork, dedication, and the shared goal of improving patient care. I felt an immense sense of pride in what we had accomplished. The support from everyone – from the hospital staff to our esteemed guests – was overwhelming. It reinforced my commitment to helping our patients and ensuring they have access to the best possible care.

As I reflected on the day's events, I felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a significant project. The new Stroke Unit ICU was not just a facility; it was a symbol of our collective effort and dedication to improving healthcare in our community. Knowing that our hard work would help stroke patients lead better lives filled me with a profound sense of purpose.

March 20, 2024, was a day of celebration, accomplishment, and inspiration. It was a testament to what we could achieve when we worked together towards a common goal. I ended the day with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed determination to continue our work. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and the impact we can make in the lives of our patients.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this day possible. To the sisters from the wards, doctors, and all healthcare workers, your dedication and hard work were invaluable. The biomedical engineers and technicians who ensured all equipment was perfectly fitted, the team that assembled the beds, and the diligent workers who cleaned and prepared the building—your efforts did not go unnoticed. A special thanks to my incredible team members, including Dr Paresh Zanzmera, Dr Amit Gamit, and Shobhana Chaudhari. This achievement is a testament to our collective effort and unwavering commitment to excellence. Thank you all!