Free drugs were distributed to cancer patients at Ernakulam General Hospital on Wednesday by the Jeevan Raksha Charitable and Service Society. This is the 76th consecutive month wherein the society distributes free drugs.
The members at the society said several government hospitals were facing an acute shortage of drugs.
“The condition of the patients in the Ernakulam General Hospital is better off since there are more NGOs and charitable organisations that are looking into the issue of drug shortage. But, in the government hospitals in Alappuzha and Kottayam, the unavailability of cancer drugs is acute, especially when it comes to the more expensive drugs,” said Jeevan Raksha Charitable and Service Society vice-president Joseph V M.
In his inaugural speech, former Justice K Thankappan, who was the chief guest, lauded the efforts of the society. “The greatest good a person can do is through the love and service of other human beings. Real good comes from the effort you put into the service of the people and not through building temples and churches,” said the Justice.
Justice Thankappan urged the cancer patients to refrain from hopelessness. “The disease you have is not a curse or sin. It is something which can be overcome if you want. The cure rendered by the medicines and doctor will help in treating the disease only if your mind has the ability and the strength to overcome the disease,” he said.