THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The Government Medical College here has set an example for its counterparts by forming a special fund for the least privileged patients. The “donors account” started in 2011 is for patients who are not covered under the government schemes for the underprivileged.
The operating authority of the account is the hospital superintendent in his capacity as the secretary of the Hospital Development Society. The HDS is the hospital’s arm for helping poor patients.It operates a medical store and clinical laboratories where medicines and tests are provided at subsidised rates.The facilities are free for BPL ration card holders and scheduled tribe members.
The HDS revenue is used to meet the daily expenses of the hospital. The donors account was started during the tenure of Dr Mohandas K as hospital superintendent. The idea struck officials after some medical suppliers expressed willingness to give commission for sales.
MS Sharmad, present superintendent of the hospital, expanded the fund operations by collecting donations from individuals and institutions. Over Rs 8 lakh has been distributed so far.
Sharmad said that several poor patients who do not belong to any of the two categories visit the hospital.
“This fund is to help those who do not have a ration card to prove their financial status, forward community members and the migrant labourers etc. We are also providing assistance to suicide attempt survivors who are not eligible for assistance under other schemes,” he said.
Other beneficiaries include the poor from other states, patients without bystanders and unknown patients. “Several poor patients come to the hospital from nearby Tamil Nadu. It gives more satisfaction to serve patients without bystanders and the unknown persons admitted to the hospital,” he said.
Only inpatients are eligible for the assistance. Maximum assistance given to a person is Rs 5,000 though higher amounts are sanctioned for deserving patients.
Recently, Tata Elxsi donated Rs 8 lakh to the fund for exclusive assistance to cardiac patients. Under this, a patient is given a maximum amount of Rs 50,000.
Charity Fund
The charity fund of Medical College Hospital is helping many poor persons who are not eligible for government schemes. The number of beneficiaries is growing and the hospital calls for people’s support. For donations, call the HDS, 0471-2528210, or supertintendent’s office, 0471-2528262