News
Delhi coronavirus fears mount as hospital beds run out
Ashwani Jain succumbed to the coronavirus in an ambulance as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in, the latest victim of the pandemic sweeping through the Indian capital and exposing a deadly shortage of hospital beds.
“They don’t care whether we live or die,” said his 20-year-old daughter Kashish, whose uncle, Abhishek, sat with Ashwani in the back of the vehicle on its desperate journey across Delhi.
“It won’t matter to them but I have lost my father, he was the world to me,” she said, tears welling up as she showed a photo of him.
All of the hospitals the 45-year-old businessman’s family tried refused to admit Ashwani, even though an app set up by the city government indicated Covid-19 beds were free, Abhishek told AFP.
With surging infections highlighting the precarious state of the Indian healthcare system, the death of Jain and others like him have heightened anxiety in Delhi over the growing threat.
More than 1,200 have died from the virus in the Indian capital and more than 1,000 new cases are being reported each day.
Mortuaries are overflowing with bodies and cemeteries and crematorium staff say they cannot keep up with the backlog of victims. Some local Delhi councils say the real death toll is twice the number given by the regional government.
Indian media has been full of tragic stories of people dying after being turned away by hospitals.
One pregnant woman died as she was being shuttled between hospitals. A 78-year-old man petitioned the Delhi High Court for a ventilator bed but died before the matter could be taken up.
India has now recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus cases with nearly 9,000 fatalities.
High price for rare beds
Several families have used social media to recount their harrowing experiences after being refused hospital beds.
Jain’s family had joined a noisy, nationwide tribute to health workers, banging pots and pans from rooftops and balconies after a nationwide lockdown started in March. Now they feel abandoned.
“The government is doing nothing. They are just playing with our feelings,” Kashish said.
Jain’s devastated relatives are now waiting to get tested themselves but the Delhi government allows that for only high-risk and symptomatic family members.
The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July, and warned hotels and wedding venues that they are likely to be turned into hospitals.
Currently government hospitals have 8,505 designated pandemic beds while private hospitals have 1,441.
But families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available.
Suman Gulati, whose father is a coronavirus patient, said she was asked for one million rupees ($13,200) by a private hospital for a bed.
“Once I paid the money getting a bed was not a problem. But arranging such a huge amount of money at such a critical time was,” she told AFP.
“What if I fall sick next, what will I do? Should I sell my property, my jewellery?”
A sting operation by the Mirror Now TV channel showed five Delhi hospitals asking coronavirus patients to pay up to $5,250 in order to be admitted.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused private hospitals of lying about available beds and promised tough action if they were found extorting money.
On Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah said 500 of some 20,000 train coaches reserved as coronavirus wards would be “immediately” allocated to the state by the national government, adding some 8,000 beds.
Experts are questioning the city’s handling of the pandemic however.
Virologist Shahid Jameel said Delhi, like other major cities, has not tested enough people. So far, it has covered just one percent of its population.
“At the moment Delhi government is doing everything to make people panic,” he told AFP.
“It should be testing aggressively. I don’t understand the logic of testing only people who are symptomatic. How will you find how much the infection has spread in the community if you don’t test them?”
Shah said after a meeting with the Delhi government Sunday that testing for the virus would be stepped up.
Reporting and photos: AFP
Canareef Resort Maldives marked International Women’s Day on 8th March with a meaningful celebration focused on wellness, mindfulness, and appreciation for women, aligning with this year’s global theme, “Give To Gain.” The resort organised a special complimentary Sunset Beach Yoga Session along with exclusive wellness offers to create a relaxing and empowering experience for guests.
The Sunset Yoga session, held at the beautiful Dhoni Bar Beach, invited guests and team members to unwind and reconnect with nature while enjoying the breathtaking Maldivian sunset. Set against the soothing sounds of the ocean and the warm glow of the evening sky, the session offered a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness, improve well-being, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
The theme “Give To Gain” highlights the power of kindness, generosity, and support, emphasising that by giving to others and nurturing positive actions, individuals and communities can gain strength, happiness, and personal growth. Through this thoughtful initiative, Canareef celebrated the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women around the world.
Adding to the celebration, the resort’s spa also introduced a special International Women’s Day offer, providing a discount on all 60-minute massage treatments, allowing guests to indulge in a rejuvenating wellness experience and embrace the importance of self-care.
Participants enjoyed the tranquil yoga session and the calming atmosphere of the island, making the celebration both relaxing and inspiring. The event reflected Canareef Resort Maldives’ commitment to promoting wellness, inclusivity, and meaningful experiences for guests and team members alike.
By organising wellness-focused activities such as the Sunset Beach Yoga Session at Dhoni Bar Beach and offering special spa benefits, Canareef continues to highlight the importance of balance, appreciation, and well-being, while celebrating global occasions that bring people together in harmony.
Angsana Velavaru marked International Women’s Day with a heartfelt celebration honouring the remarkable women who contribute to the resort’s vibrant workplace and guest experiences.
The evening brought together team members for a warm and meaningful gathering focused on appreciation, connection, and recognition. Colleagues took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, strength, and contributions of the women who play an important role in shaping the spirit and success of the resort.
The celebration featured an intimate programme that included shared conversations, a ceremonial cake-cutting, and dinner together as a team. The occasion provided a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the inspiring individuals whose passion and commitment help create memorable experiences for guests each day.
“International Women’s Day is an important opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the incredible women across our team whose dedication, resilience, and passion contribute greatly to our workplace and the experiences we create for our guests,” said Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru.“We are proud to work alongside such inspiring individuals who continue to make a meaningful impact within our resort and our community.”
Through initiatives that encourage collaboration, growth, and wellbeing, Angsana Velavaru remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.
Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, an elegant island retreat, has been recognised among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, celebrating its refined hospitality, tranquil island setting, and thoughtfully curated experiences that continue to resonate with travellers across the region.
Set amidst turquoise lagoons, the resort offers a tranquil island setting shaped by refined elegance and a deep connection to its surroundings. Its collection of beachfront and overwater villas and two- and three-bedroom residences haven been thoughtfully designed for travellers seeking privacy, comfort, and space to unwind in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Contemporary architecture is softened by organic textures, calming palettes, and subtle Thai-inspired touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and serene.
Across the island, every experience is designed to immerse guests of all ages in the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. Private decks overlooking the lagoon provide quiet moments of reflection, while a vibrant selection of water sports and marine adventures invites exploration beneath and beyond the waves. The resort’s holistic wellness philosophy is anchored by SPA Cenvaree Retreat, a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic renewal. Inspired by time-honoured Thai healing traditions, the spa offers signature treatments, restorative rituals, and rejuvenating therapies designed to restore harmony and awaken the senses.
Dining is another highlight of the experience, with culinary outlets that celebrate flavour, craftsmanship, and atmosphere. Guests can explore vibrant tandoor and teppan live-cooking stations at The Gallery, savour Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, or enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the lagoon at Sunset Social. For elevated indulgence, The Club offers refined culinary experiences and curated selections throughout the day, while Coco Drift provides relaxed poolside refreshments in a laid-back island setting.
The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards recognise excellence across the travel and hospitality industry, with winners selected by the publication’s discerning readership of frequent travellers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Being named among the Maldives’ top resorts underscores Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives’ commitment to delivering meaningful, memorable stays defined by thoughtful hospitality and a strong sense of place.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the readers of DestinAsian,” said Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team in creating experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the natural beauty of the Maldives. It is incredibly rewarding to know that these moments of serenity, connection, and discovery resonate with our guests.”
As Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes travellers from around the world, this recognition reinforces its position as a destination defined by elegance, curated experiences, and island moments that linger long after every stay.
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