Mumbai: A severe shortage of medicines at Mumbai’s Cooper Medical College and Hospital has left patients struggling for basic treatment. One of the city’s key municipal hospitals, Cooper is facing mounting complaints as essential drugs remain out of stock, routine tests are delayed, and even anti-rabies vaccines are unavailable—forcing patients to seek care in private facilities.

Essential medicines such as antibiotics, calcium tablets, painkillers, and psychiatric drugs have vanished from hospital pharmacies, forcing patients to buy them from outside.

Geeta Sharma, a DN Nagar resident, said she was turned away when she went to get an anti-rabies injection for her son. “The doctors said the vaccine wasn’t available and referred us to VN Desai Hospital,” she said. Patients also report being asked to bring gloves, syringes, and needles from private stores due to shortages inside the wards.

Psychiatric patients have been particularly affected, as medicines have been unavailable for more than a month. “I’ve been visiting the hospital repeatedly for my brother’s psychiatric medication, but they keep saying it’s out of stock,” said Baber Sheikh, a resident of Juhu Galli.

Located in Juhu–Vile Parle, the hospital serves over 2,000 patients daily from Andheri, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Jogeshwari, and Malad. Given its proximity to both domestic and international airports and the Western Express Highway, Cooper Hospital plays a crucial role in handling emergency and accident cases. However, in recent months, its medical services have sharply declined.

When contacted, Dr. Neelam Andrade, Director of Major Hospitals and Acting Dean of Cooper Hospital, denied the allegations of medicine shortages. She stated that it not possible and aked to recheck the claim.

However, the ongoing crisis at Cooper Hospital highlights the deepening cracks in Mumbai’s municipal healthcare system, where even basic medical supplies have become a luxury for patients.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, known for their humility and compassion despite their star status, marked this Diwali with a beautiful act of kindness. The couple visited a local orphanage ahead of the festival to celebrate the festival of lights with children. Instead of lavish parties or grand displays, they chose to spend their day bringing smiles to young faces.

Dressed in simple yet elegant traditional attire, the couple was seen warmly interacting with the children, sharing laughter, and personally handing out chocolates, sweets, and gifts. Their visit transformed the atmosphere into one filled with joy, laughter, and festive spirit.

Videos and pictures from the visit quickly made rounds on social media, showing the couple surrounded by excited children. Radhika was seen distributing chocolates while Anant spoke to the kids. Their genuine affection and involvement struck a chord with onlookers.

The couple’s thoughtful approach reflected the true essence of Diwali, sharing happiness, love, and light with those around us. At a time when grand celebrations often dominate headlines, their quiet, compassionate act stood out as a reminder that kindness never goes unnoticed.

As soon as the videos surfaced online, fans and followers showered praise on the couple. Social media platforms were filled with heartfelt comments, with one user writing, “Great job, God bless you both.” Another comment read, “This is what real celebration looks like, spreading joy and love.”

Many appreciated how Anant and Radhika used their influence for good, inspiring others to do the same. Their gesture resonated deeply with netizens, especially during a festival that celebrates generosity and togetherness.

Anant and Radhika Ambani’s thoughtful celebration serves as a reminder that Diwali is not just about lights and fireworks but also about illuminating lives with compassion. Their small yet meaningful act beautifully encapsulated the true spirit of the festival, giving, sharing, and spreading happiness. This Diwali, do whatever little you can to spread joy in somebody else’s life.

Aizawl, Oct 20: Assam Rifles have seized 90 bags of poppy seeds and 120 bags of areca nuts (betel nuts) worth Rs one crore in Mizoram, officials said on Monday.

A defence spokesman said that based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles conducted a search operation at Farlui road areas, Ruantlang in Mizoram’s border Champhai district, and recovered the contraband.

This significant recovery underscores the Assam Rifles’ zero-tolerance approach towards illicit activities in the region and its continued commitment to ensuring the law and order situation is maintained, an official statement said.

The seized consignment has been handed over to the Customs Preventive Force, Champhai, for further investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.

This operation highlights the Assam Rifles’ ongoing dedication to securing the northeastern region’s borders and preventing illegal trade that adversely impacts the socio-economic stability of the region, the statement said.

An official said that the poppy seeds and areca nuts were smuggled from Myanmar and intended to be ferried to other states in India.

Security forces in Manipur and Assam often destroy illegal poppy cultivation in these states as part of the government’s ‘War on Drugs’ mission.

Poppy cultivation has been identified as a key source for the production of illicit opium. It is estimated that three to four kilograms of opium are produced per acre of poppy cultivation, with one kilogram valued between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh in the clandestine market.

On the other hand, the smuggling of areca nuts, also known as Burmese Betel Nuts, from Myanmar has had a negative impact on local farmers in the northeastern states, as they have to struggle to sell their produce at competitive prices.

Areca nut farmers in Tripura and Assam have organised agitations in the recent past against the smuggling of areca nuts from Myanmar.

The Manipur government, on several occasions, said that the ethnic strife in Manipur since May 2023 is a creation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, adding that these migrants, after illegally settling in the state, started the cultivation of illicit poppies. Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km unfenced border with four northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram — serves as a key transit point for drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India. The Mizoram districts that border Myanmar are Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. These six districts share a combined border of 510 km with Myanmar’s Chin state, which is a hub for smuggling of varied drugs, exotic wildlife animals and many other contraband through the Northeastern states.