Darshan effect: Patients flock to RG hospital

BANGALORE: Publicity, either good or bad seems to be positive always. Following reel star Darshan’s admission to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Disease (RGICD) has been registering huge inflow of patients.  The institute which was predominantly treating patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB), has seen a upsurge of patients by five per cent after Darshan’s ‘darshan’ (visit) to the hospital.“Over the years, the institute gained popularity for treating tuberculosis and only TB patients visited our institute. Respiratory disorders or asthma cases were less compared to TB cases. However, after Darshan was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, not only patients’ admission but queries from various parts of Karnataka on asthama and respiratory diseases have increased,” said Dr Shashidhar Buggi, director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Disease (RGICD).“Now after Darshan’s episode, the institute is gaining popularity in treatment of asthma and respiratory disorders,” added Dr Buggi.With patients flocking the institute and making calls to the hospital, doctors are having hectic days in treating and providing consultations.In September, Darshan was shifted to ICU ward at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) after he complained of breathlessness. The actor was hospitalised for more than a week for the treatment of bronchial asthma and consistent wheezing.