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Where sick birds flock
together HAVE you ever heard of a hospital for birds? Ask any Delhi-ite and he will laugh at the query. Strange but true, Delhi has a unique charity hospital for birds. The hospital is situated within the precincts of Shri Digamber Jain Temple in front of the Red Fort. This hospital was founded in 1929 in a single room with only few birds as its only patients. It was started at the residence of Late Shri Lachho Mal Jain Gotewale. It was shifted to its present location in 1952. At present, the hospital is housed in a three-storeyed building. Amazingly, this hospital is open round the clock. The hospital has the capacity to accommodate about 3000-4000 birds at a time. There is huge hall, which is fortified by a strong steel wire mesh from all sides. The ailing birds are accommodated here during the convalescent period. About 40-50 birds are admitted daily. Outdoor patients are treated and discharged immediately. On an average 30-40 birds are treated daily in the OPD of the hospital. For quick and immediate relief, the allopathic system of treatment is adopted by the doctors of the hospital. According to veterinary doctors, this system is very successful in curing ailing birds. The hospital also provides information regarding treatment by post to those who write letters. The birds are released in the sky after their recovery at a fortnightly interval. This is done to accommodate more patients in the hospital. |
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In the case of birds with broken wings the primary feathers of the affected wing are cut short with sharp scissors. The bird is unable to use this wing for some time and this enforced rest also help to cure the wing. In serious cases, splints made of matchsticks and adhesive tape is also used. Broken legs are also treated successfully on the same pattern. Birds suffering from exhaustion and starvation are also brought for treatment. This happens when the birds migrate in early winter months. Such birds are kept in cages at a comfortable room temperature. They are given appropriate food and water. These birds are cured within two to three days and then set free. Under the Protection of Birds Act, 1954, as amended by the Protection of Birds Act, 1967, with certain exceptions, any wild bird, its nest and its eggs are protected. It is however legal to keep in captivity an injured bird provided it is released as soon as it is well and able to fend for itself. In a sense the hospital is adhering to the principles of the above Act. At the same time the solemn message of ‘live and let live’, given by Lord Mahavira, is also followed and practiced by the devotees. The hospital also reminds one of Gautam Buddha’s kindness to birds and animals. The premises of the hospital are decorated with beautiful pictures of birds. What can be done for our avian friends:
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The treatment for the
birds is free of cost. Generous donations are given by devotees and
visitors. Dr Vijay Kumar is the Chief Surgeon and Physician of the
hospital. He is assisted by another doctor, Ram Niwas Sharma and a
compounder, Rameshwar Yadav. The hospital is well-equipped with modern
surgical equipment and medicines. Surgery is performed for clipped
wings, broken beaks, claws and limbs of the birds. Disabled and
paralytic birds are provided special care and are fed by hand till
they recover. The mode of treatment varies from patient to patient and
the type of injury.