Covid-19 in Mumbai: Nari Contractor, wife and son refused vaccine at Cama hospital

File photo of former cricketre Nari Contractor at his Cusrow Baug residence in Colaba

In yet another case of health care apathy, former India cricket captain Nariman (Nari) Contractor, 88, his visually disabled wife Dolly, 89, and son Hoshedar, 61, were turned away from the gates of Cama Hospital, Fort despite registering on the Cowin app for the second dose. No stock was the reason given to them.

Even after making registration mandatory for the vaccines, a lack of coordination between government agencies is leading to huge inconvenience to thousands of citizens.

Hoshedar, in an angry post on social media, asked if simple tasks like scheduling were rocket science. "To get my parents ready for the shot it takes three hours to prepare them. Then to transport them to the centre is an ordeal for somebody who is immobile. Why were the appointments given if there were no vaccines? Just returning home from the centre. This is not the first time we were sent home without a vaccination and hence wanted to share my frustration of how our public health system has failed. This is downright harassment!"

Nari and Dolly had taken their first dose of Covishield vaccine on March 5. Their second being overdue, their family members were trying to book a slot.

Speaking to Sunday mid-day, Hoshedar said: "We can understand shortage of vaccines. But scheduling is not rocket science. The slots should be open as per the availability of vaccines at the particular centre. This not the first time...twice before I had to return after getting a message of cancellation 15 minutes before the scheduled time. There was no message this time."

Former fast bowler Hoshedar has represented India U-19 and Mumbai in first-class cricket. He added: "We have been patiently waiting to get slots which are hard to come by and appointments were made as mandated. We get a slot at Cama Hospital on Saturday but the hospital refused to let us inside."

BMC officials said that the app did not fall under their purview and admitted that there was a technical glitch with the registration process. "There is a technical issue with the registration process of the Cowin app. It is managed by the central government and the BMC has no control over it," said a BMC officer.

Meanwhile, there has been significant criticism of the chaos at vaccination centres. Recently, BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha demanded separate centres and a 50 per cent reservation quota of vaccine for senior citizens especially those who have taken their first dose two months prior.

Despite calls and messages, Dr Tushar Palve, superintendent in charge of Cama and Albless Hospital remained unavailable for comment.

The case of Nari is all the more shocking because he is one who nearly lost his life serving the nation. He is also the oldest living Mumbai-based Test captain.

On March 17, 1962, Nari suffered a skull fracture after being hit on the head by West Indian fast bowler Charlie Griffith during the Indians v Barbados game at the Kensington Oval. Contractor has lived to tell his tale but it is one full of anguish and anxiety as not many were hopeful of him surviving the blow.

Sheer grit and determination saw him resume his first-class cricket career after a season's break. He played Ranji Trophy cricket for Gujarat and other domestic competitions till the 1970-71 season.

Apart from his on-field exploits, Nari has served in talent hunt schemes for the Indian cricket board as well as the Mumbai Cricket Association.