Mumbai: Woman nurses 99-year-old mother-in-law back to health

Nirmalaben is now fit and fine and will celebrate her 100th birthday on June 26, all thanks to her daughter-in-law who refused to leave her alone in hospital and treated her at home

Nilam Bhatt, a 57-year-old working professional, did not give up when she could not find a suitable hospital for mother-in-law who was suffering from Covid-19. She decided to quarantine her at their Ghatkopar home and continue her treatment. Now, Nirmalaben Bhatt has fully recovered and will celebrate her 100th birthday on June 26.

Nirmalaben, 99, lives with her son Mahesh Bhatt and his wife Nilam in a 2 bhk flat at Maneklal Estate. At the time the elderly woman tested positive for Coronavirus, Nilam and Mahesh’s daughter was also staying with them along with her four-month-old child.

Nimal, who is the senior executive at Saregama Tech Ops Department, is herself a diabetic. She not only took care of Nirmalaben, but also her husband — a heart patient — who also contracted the virus later. 

After Nirmalaben’s report came back positive on April 13, the family went to Hiranandani and Hinduja hospitals, but didn’t get admission. “We got a bed at Andheri-based Criticare hospital, but they weren’t allowing me to stay with her in the hospital. I told them I’ll follow all the rules and wear a PPE kit, but the doctors refused. So, we decided to get her treatment at home.”

Nirmalaben’s oxygen saturation level initially fluctuated between 85 and 90, but with the help of online consultation with a doctor, they managed to keep her vitals stable. They hired a nurse who stayed in the day. Mahesh’s brother Bharat Bhatt said Nilam managed to juggle between her work, which she is doing from home, and taking care of both his mother and brother. “Finally, after 14 days of quarantine and seven days of isolation, she has recovered,” Bharat said.

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