‘My will to survive kept me going strong’

TNN | Apr 23, 2020, 04:37 IST

70-year-old Fatima Sharbatwala

Surat: With high mortality among the older population infected due to coronavirus, Fatima Sharbatwala, 70, a resident of Nanavat has become an inspiration and a ray of hope.
After fighting a battle for over 20 days, Fatema has recovered completely from the infection. Despite of her co-morbid conditions including kidney disease, heart problem and diabetes, Fatima has overcome the infection.
Fatima was admitted at the Seventh Day Adventist Mission hospital after she complained of breathing problems on April 6. On the next day, she tested positive. “I am happy to see my family again. When I was told I tested positive, I was heartbroken thinking I won’t see my sons and grandchildren again,” said Fatima, who returned home on Tuesday evening. “I was weak and couldn't eat on my own. The nurses at the Mission hospital would feed me with their own hands.”
According to Fatima, if the will power is strong then even the older positive patients can recover. “Even when I was weak, I had a strong will to survive,” said Fatima.
Her son, Abdul Razak Sharbatwala, said, “When we were informed that she was infected, we were afraid we would lose her. But, thankfully she is back home today.”
Sharbatwala added that the entire family was quarantined. But all tested negative. “I still wonder how mother tested positive when she did not even step out of the house,” he said.
Deputy municipal commissioner (health) Dr Ashish Naik said, “Out of the total 12 deaths due to Covid-19, majority were over 50 years old. However, Fatima is a living example that even older patients can survive.”