Today was a very special day for me, because a meeting that has been postponed for a long time was finally fulfilled. For the past several months, there was a continuous call of an old friend of mine. He started his new hospital in Ahmedabad some time ago and was repeatedly calling me to come and see it once. But due to lack of time and daily responsibilities, I had not yet been able to go. Finally, after six months, the day came today when I could reach him.

In the morning I started traveling from Vadodara to Ahmedabad from a bus. Looking out of the window of the bus the views of the road kept changing-green fields and a glimpse of the villages and the city's movement. When he reached Ahmedabad after a long journey, both curiousness and a little fatigue were together. As soon as the friend reached the new hospital, I was welcomed very warmly. The hospital building was new and its cleanliness and systematic environment impressed me a lot.

My friend's mother knew me in advance. Seeing me, she also came to meet and talked with great love. During the conversation, he requested that I should give a training to the doctors and nursing staff present there on the prevention of Safe Injection Practices and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIS). I could not avoid his request and I also felt that this opportunity could be very useful.

I took a small session with the health workers present there. First of all I discussed about safe injection practices - such as selecting the right needle and syringe, reusing the same syringe, and following hand hygiene. Then I explained to them simple and effective measures to prevent healthcare Associated infections. The staff listened to my words very carefully and also asked many questions, which I explained in detail. I was satisfied to see how much my information could be helpful for him.

After training, we all had lunch together. There was a mild conversation during the meal, the memories of the old days were refreshed and the friend also shared many dreams and plans about his hospital. I was really proud to see the confidence and energy that was on his face. Starting with a simple idea, now his dream had taken a real form and his hard work was visible in it.

By the evening, I started preparing for the return. This short journey to Ahmedabad taught me a lot. Sometimes we feel that there is a shortage of time, but when we take some time for our friends and loved ones, it is more than any busyness. While returning to Vadodara, I was sitting in the bus remembering the whole day's experiences. Friend's success, hospital environment and training given to health workers - all of them made my journey worthwhile.

Today was not just a meeting for me, but it was an experience that added all three friendship, responsibility and service. I am happy that I finally fulfilled my friend's request after six months and cherished this journey in my memories.

All Images clicked by @alfazmalek

THANK YOU

---