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Udaipur Speaks

Vodafone customer ? You can be the next getting harassed

One of the largest telecom providers in India – Vodafone – announced 3G data services in India back in 2011.  These days, everyone is aware of the 3g data services and also fast internet data services like 3G are being used widely all over India. Let me introduce myself briefly, I am Lokesh Motwani from Udaipur and a Vodafone customer from last 5 months. I use internet at home and on my phone for social and professional purposes. I was using Vodafone’s 2G data services happily from several months and a little internet speed fluctuation revealed an ugly truth of Vodafone services.Vodafone_3g_Udaipur

From 6th of April my Vodafone 2G internet data pack was not working fine, the speed was too slow than usual so I made a call to the customer care at 198 and the customer care representative suggested and registered a complaint for my slow internet speed. I thanked him and hanged up the call.

Meanwhile i kept on waiting for the speed to improve..

On 9th April 2012 my internet was too slow and i was really pissed. I thought to give a try to Vodafone’s 3G data service which is obviously faster than 2G data services. At around 1 a.m I made a recharge of Rs. 1250 from Vodafone’s official website www.vodafone.in which provides a 5GB 3G data for 60 days. I called Vodafone’s customer care at around 3.00 am and asked for further formalities to activate the 3G data service etc on my number. The Vodafone representative advised to send a message at 111 and 144 which will activate 3G on my number and the service will be active in about 4 hours. Call ended.

7.30 am, I was very anxious to try the 3G data service before I go to sleep. It was 7.00 and I was too dizzy; but again made a call to Vodafone customer care to ensure my service is active before I sleep. After 2-3 attempts, I was successfully connected to a Vodafone customer associate who confirmed the service is not yet activated and himself asked to register a complaint in this regard. I Said Ok, and followed his instructions as he proceeded. He registered a complaint and promised that 3G data service will be activated by maximum 6.00 pm in the evening. I said thanks and hanged up the call.
It was 7.00 pm and the service was still not active. My patience was falling as time passed. I called the Vodafone customer care at 198 again and asked Vodafone’s customer care representative about the status of the complaint and they said it’s still active and in process and may take 24 hours more also he told me that the date for complaint resolving is 13 April and I will receive the follow up by a call from a customer care representative by 6.00 pm of 13 April. I debated with the representative about the promises made to me hours ago but he ended up telling that all I have to do is wait for 24 hours more. I was very angry but had no other option other than waiting.

10 April,2012 around 8.00 pm, Service still not active. I was pissed now and my patience was over and again i called the customer care. After many continuous attempts one of the representative attended my call, he put me on hold to check details and the call got disconnected. I called again and again many times continuously to get a solution explaining my problem to every one of them several times whenever my call was attended. I talked to around 5-6 people and shockingly, no one of them had a satisfactory answer, my call was even transferred to several different departments claiming their expertise in Data services etc. Sometimes they said the service is active and asked to get some silly settings or else told me the service is not active and exclaimed to message again at 111 and 144 to activate the service etc but nothing worked.
This went on for 3 more days on 11, 12 and 13 April. During these days I didn’t lose hope and kept on calling 7-8 times daily and every time I called, I had to hear several different answers from different customer care representatives. Every time either my call was hanged up (putting on hold and not getting back) whenever I asked for a refund or to activate my services as soon as possible.

13 April, 6.00 pm. The time of my complaint resolution was over and so far I didn’t received any call or follow-up from Vodafone customer care regarding my complaint. I again made a call to Vodafone customer care and after 3-4 attempts finally my call was attended and I was told to either wait for 24 more hours as the complaint I made was still in process else all I can go and pay a visit to the Nearest Vodafone store regarding this complaint.

 

14 April, 12.30 pm I visited the nearest Surajpole Vodafone store, I took a queue ticket for my number and waited for around 20 minutes. My number came and an attendant Azad Khan attended me. I told him about everything I went through he suggested to wait for 24 more hours as the complaint was still open and the case was presented to him just now. I was too pissed to wait even for an hour but all he told me to wait.I forced him to let me talk to his senior regarding this and finally he made a call and the next moment I was talking to Mr. Arun Jonus, Manager Surajpole branch. I was surprised and shocked at the same time, the way he talked to me. He was not only rude but also he wasn’t able to give me a satisfactory and responsible answer being a Branch Manager of the Vodafone store. I tried a hell lot of times that how he will proceed and how much time this will take? But again he was not able to tell me how much time he would need, he just asked for some time. I demanded a negotiable refund for the not yet active service. But he strongly disapproved, saying there is no such option available to him and ended up telling to wait for some time. Again I kept on asking what’s his sometime but he didn’t answered. I left the store and decided to give him time of an hour or two.
At around 2.30 pm, I again went to the Vodafone store Surajpole, Mr. Branch manager was still not there and when I insisted a call he just told me rudely that he has talked to the concerned department and will inform me in detail about this through a call soon.
Around 3.30 pm, I got a call from Mr. Arun Jonus and he told me that there is some technical issue in the IT department and the service may activate by 6.00pm or by Monday. His voice on the call shown a lack of confidence or maybe I felt it because I was not in a condition to wait or trust anymore on any Vodafone employees. It was more obvious because i had already waited a long for around 5 days, so I strongly alleged that I don’t want to wait anymore and I need a refund or need activation of my service right now. He told me all bulls*** again that there is no such option available. He even insisted to call the Nodal officer who will be available on Monday (16 April) and I was not in a mood to debate or discuss anymore regarding this on the call and I asked to either get me a refund or give me all his promises and commitments in written. He strongly disagreed to that, saying there is no such process available. Instantly, i had a plan in my mind and asked him to meet me on store in a while.
Around 4.10 pm, I made a call to one of my friends Yash Sharma (who is professionally a media person) to bring a camera to take Mr. Arun’s conversation in a movie for a proof to me, in case the service doesn’t get activated according to his promise.
Around 4.30 pm, We reached Vodafone store and waited for around 15 minutes for Mr. Arun to attend us. Finally, Mr. Arun came and again we started the discussion he told us that in no way (Audio, video, writing or any other means) he can give us what he was speaking and promising. When I offended he told me its not in his process, when I asked to show the process he changed the topic and at the end told us that they are a few things that can’t be shared with the customers. We finally left the store with nothing in hand but promises and waiting as recommended by Mr. Arun Jonus.

At around 6.15 pm, I got a all from Vodafone customer care asking me to check that my 3G services are active. I checked. Yes, the 3G data service was active and hanged up the call.
Now, let me summarize the story and share a lesson with all the UdaipurBlog readers who are still confused. First of all, Take care as even promising telecommunication giants such as Vodafone may not be able to fullfill their smallest of commitments and services or may lack customer service at times.
And Lastly, i would end up saying that in this cruel world today, sometimes, you don’t get things easily even after paying the cost for them. You may need to stand up , play a  media prank or even fight for things, else you may get harassed or hassled most of the times.

JAAGO INDIA JAAGO !!! JAAGO GRAAHAK JAAHO !!!

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News

Once Again FLU(s) Knock Our Udaipur

swine flu udaipur

Seems like the CLOUDS OF BAD DAYS are back for OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY. Feels a little strange no?? So what u think that can be?? Exactly, as the HEADING INDICATES it’s the RETURN OF FLU(s) (aka influenza). It’s a year back story, bloody swine better known as SWINE FLU (H1N1Virus) ruined thousands of lives all over the COUNTRY including our city UDAIPUR. And the BAD NEWS is IT’S BACK!! ya, u heard that RIGHT it is back, but this time the much dreadful news is with SWINE FLU there are TWO more FLU’S in the CITY and these are EYE FLU(aka conjunctivitis and pink eye) and BIRD FLU. Although BIRD FLU is not much spread in the city premises but can be seen in areas nearby UDAIPUR, so resting on tenterhooks (looking positively) we will discuss the details shortly (when required) with an UPDATE. This time our old adversary SWINE FLU is accompanied by two other deteriorating infectious diseases EYE FLU and BIRD FLU.

Everyone might have heard about the RAPID INCREASE in CASES of these EVIL diseases. This time again SWINE FLU is on its imperiling heights. One can easily see many SEVERE cases of SWINE FLU round the city.

According to a well known newspaper on September 3, 2010

(Dainik Bhaskar):
164 patients in the district so far are tested. Of these 4 patients died, 57 are confirmed and the screening is still going on. APPROXIMATELY 30 teams have been declared by the government for screening purposes all over Udaipur. These teams are screening in different 56 wards (city division in blocks).

As the name indicates FLU (aka influenza) are highly infectious diseases that cause fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and sometimes ear aches and even sinus problems etc. The flu is caused by the influenza VIRUS (small infectious agent). As my personal experience most of the people suffering from these infectious diseases comes under the age group of 13-35 i.e. the YOUTH. My request to the YOUTH through this article is, please go through it and learn the basic contents of these diseases. Ponder the context and instructions for the betterment of yourself and the people nearby you. So Let me explain you briefly about the CAUSE(s), SYMPTOMS, PRECAUTIONS and TREATMENT (RECOMMENDED by a DOCTOR) of these infectious diseases briefly.

Let me firstly start with the most vulnerable and known disease nowadays:

Swine FLu Udaipur

SWINE FLU:

ORIGIN (source/cause): Particularly it is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. Most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype. However, they can sometimes come from the other types, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2. The current outbreak of swine flu that has infected humans is of the H1N1 type. Basically Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans causes the disease. Transmission either takes place from contact with infected pigs (most common way) and from contact with infected humans (much less common way).

SYMPTOMS:

They are similar to those of regular flu, and include:

  • Body aches
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • fever (Temperature)
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Diarrhea (less common)
  • Vomiting (less common) etc.

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap,
  • Try to stay healthy,
  • Get plenty of sleep,
  • Do plenty of exercise,
  • Try to manage your stress ,
  • Drink plenty of liquids ,
  • Eat a well balanced diet,
  • Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus ,
  • Do not get close to people who are sick Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area etc.

TREATMENT:

FOR TREATMENT PLEASE CONSULT A DOCTOR !!!

Let me provide you a little FACTUAL INFORMATION about treatment of SWINEFLU ::
[There are drugs and vaccines around, that can effectively treat swine flu infection in humans (and many types of flu infections in humans). There are two main types: adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine) and inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Beside drugs, supportive care at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers, relieving pain and maintaining fluid balance, as well as identifying and treating any secondary infections or other medical problems can also be helpful.]

DON”T WORRY:: the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery if reported at the right time so BE AWARE and TAKE CARE !!

REMEMBER:: Please don’t act CARELESS and HESITATED in CONSULTING DOCTORS as your ONE SMART STEP CAN SAVE MANY LIVES !!!

These days next to SWINE FLU the second most infectious ailment in the city is EYEFLU. One can easily see people suffering from EYEFLU (aka conjunctivitis and pink eye) in the city without much care for them and the other people. Even some of them are unaware to the INCONCIEVABLE

So now let’s discuss about the second most infectious ailment in the city i.e.

Eye Flu Udaipur

EYEFLU:

ORIGIN (source/cause): The infection occurring in the conjunctiva (that lines the eyelid is called conjunctivitis) mostly occurs due to an allergic reaction or an infection. The inflammation that results from it causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which, in turn, gives a pink or red cast to the white portion of the eyes. It’s a highly contagious disease. It can spread from one person to other through direct contact.

Some of the MAIN CAUSES OF EYE FLU are:

  • Direct contact with an infected person,
  • Overcrowding,
  • Unhygienic surroundings,
  • Eyestrain,
  • Bacteria,
  • Virus,
  • Irritating substance or material in the eyes,
  • Allergies,
  • Environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, or pollen and

SYMPTOMS:

  • Eyes turn reddish,
  • Itching in the eyes ,
  • Watery secretion from the eyes ,
  • Pus formation in the eyes ,
  • Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid ,
  • Increased amount of tears ,
  • Thick yellow discharge from the eyes, which crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep,
  • Green or white discharge from the eye ,
  • Burning eyes,
  • Blurred vision ,
  • Increased sensitivity to light and Inflamed eyes etc.

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, linen, pillows, sunglasses (etc),
  • Avoid shaking hands on physical contact with an infected person,
  • Patients should wear dark glasses,
  • Wash eyes and hands frequently,
  • Medicines are ineffective if it is due to a viral infection and
  • Consult your doctor and use medicines under his supervision etc.

TREATMENT:

FOR TREATMENT PLEASE CONSULT AN EYE CARE DOCTOR !!!

Let me provide you a little FACTUAL INFORMATION about treatment of EYEFLU::

[Its medication can be a mix of prescribed and over the counter medicines. For bacterial infections doctors generally prescribe antibiotics to attack the bacteria. The medication can be delivered in varieties like eye drops or ointments that are applied to the eyes for a few days. Pink eye (eye flu) caused by allergies can be solved with allergy eye drops like Patanol. Patanol is one solution that has been proven to be effective in preventing pink eye caused by allergies with just 2 drops a day. It is safe according to the manufacturer for kids over the age of three. Other medication with antihistamines Recommended by a professional, can include anything from liquid to pill state. (Also, for relieving discharge, warm compresses are great for removing the sticky residue as well as the crusty, dried portions around the eyes).]

As mentioned above, at present we are not discussing BIRD FLU as there are no heard cases about the disease in the CITY. An UPDATE about the details of BIRD FLU will be soon posted if required.

This was all about FLU(s)…

In MY OPINION, A little AWARENESS and CARE can be helpful and safeguard you from these life threatening diseases. So live AWARE and ALERT!!!

MAY GOD BLESS US ALL !!!!

Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.

Update (September 19, 2010):

 

The number of flu cases in Udaipur continues to rise at an alarming pace, so far with increasing number of deaths (due to Swine flu) from different parts of city 2 more died on September 17, including a 8 month pregnant women. All deaths have been reported in less than a month – from September 2 to 19. More or less  Eye Flu has also been spread to whole Udaipur.

According to a well known newspaper (Dainik Bhaskar) On September 19, 2010 a Total of 123 patients had been confirmed swine Flu positive in city MB Hospital while astonishingly12,000 Eye Flu drops are being sold daily in the city.

With rapid increase of these diseases in the city, we got some shocking news from our source(s) regarding the unavailability of certain recommended conveniences for the patients in the Swine Flu ward of MB Hospital like Fumigation and to provide defending mask(s) for the relatives of the patients. Fumigation is a process in which disinfectant is spread in the form of smoke and vapors to disinfect the surroundings from microorganisms so that the well beings approaching the surroundings does not get affected from the disease(s). Fumigation has been weekly recommended in the Swine Flu labs and wards but is being completely neglected in MB Hospital.

Defending mask(s) are also crucially important for safety of well beings, still the hospital administration is not intriguing all these steps seriously which will consequently lead to severe increase in spread of  such diseases.

We again request everyone to adopt precautionary measures like washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with persons having flu like symptoms. For more info read Precautions suggested above in the article for prevention from these diseases.

Be Aware & Take Care!!!