How Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan echoes the same outrage as the Nanded hospital tragedy
More than 30 unfortunate souls met their untimely end within 48 hours at a government hospital in Maharashtra. No this isn’t a scene from Jawan.
The very real hospital tragedy in Nanded, Maharashtra, and Shah Rukh Khan's latest blockbuster share parallels that highlight the complex interplay between art and reality, shedding light on issues within healthcare systems and accountability.
Nanded hospital tragedy
The tragedy at the state-run Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra unfolded with more than 30 lives lost in a government hospital within 48 hours.
The shocking incident raised questions about the state of healthcare in Maharashtra.
Among the victims were innocent children, amplifying the public outcry and demanding immediate action.
Visuals from state-run Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded where 24 patients, including 12 infants, have died in a span of 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/d5S0VbP1Ak
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 3, 2023
Prominent political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, voiced their concerns, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.
महाराष्ट्र के नांदेड़ में एक सिविल अस्पताल में 12 शिशुओं समेत, 24 मरीज़ों की मृत्यु की खबर बेहद पीड़ादायक, गंभीर व चिंताजनक है।
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 3, 2023
कहा जा रहा है कि इन मरीज़ों ने दवाइयों व इलाज की कमी से दम तोड़ दिया। ऐसी ही घटना अगस्त 2023 में ठाणे के एक सरकारी अस्पताल में हुई जिसमें 18 मरीज़ों…
Gandhi pointed out the stark contrast between the government's spending on publicity and the apparent shortage of funds for children's medicines.
नांदेड़, महाराष्ट्र के सरकारी अस्पताल में दवाइयों की कमी से 12 नवजात शिशुओं समेत 24 लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। सभी शोकाकुल परिवारों को अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 2, 2023
भाजपा सरकार हज़ारों करोड़ रुपए अपने प्रचार पर खर्च कर देती है, मगर बच्चों की दवाइयों के लिए…
The hospital's dean, Shyamrao Wakode, defended the medical staff and infrastructure, stating that there was no shortage of medicines or doctors. He argued that despite receiving proper care, the patients' bodies did not respond to treatment, leading to their tragic deaths.
Art reflecting life
Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan achieved unprecedented success, grossing over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide. The film's triumph can be attributed to its skilful blending of social issues and action, resonating deeply with audiences.
At the narrative helm is Khan's Azad Rathore, the Jailer at a women's correctional facility with a dual mission: to clear his father's tarnished legacy and become a vigilante for the downtrodden. Azad's eclectic gang of women work tirelessly to mete out justice to the oppressed.
It attempts to address a plethora of contemporary social issues, from farmer suicides to income inequality and healthcare crises and draws inspiration from real-life incidents to address crucial societal matters, making it more than just your run-of-the-mill action movie.
Striking parallels
The incident at Nanded and Shah Rukh’s blockbuster both delve into the theme of negligence and accountability within the healthcare system.
- In Nanded, despite claims of adequate care, a significant number of lives were lost, raising questions about the level of attention and diligence within the healthcare facility.
- In Jawan, the movie portrays how government officials escape accountability for their negligence, while individuals like Dr Eram bears the blame, underscoring the challenges of holding those responsible accountable in both real life and fiction.
In both cases, there is a strong public outcry and a demand for justice.
- In Nanded, political leaders and the public demanded a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for the tragedy face strict punishment.
- In the same vein, characters in the film take matters into their own hands to seek justice when they perceive a lack of accountability within the system.
Both the Nanded tragedy and Jawan draw attention to issues related to resource management and transparency within healthcare institutions. The film serves as a poignant example of art reflecting and commenting on pressing societal issues.
- By drawing inspiration from real-life incidents like the Gorakhpur oxygen deaths, the film not only entertains but also raises awareness about critical issues.
The parallels between the Nanded tragedy and Jawan are almost like the universe's way of telling us that sometimes life imitates art, or maybe it's art keeping up with life's unpredictability.
Perhaps any resemblance to actual events isn’t as coincidental as we’d thought after all.