ALAPPUZHA: In a heartfelt tribute to his late wife Rejani, T Kunjumon of Karakkapillil, Kayippuram, Muhamma, has built a modern diagnostic laboratory to serve the people of his village, spending over `70 lakh from his savings, including his retirement benefits.
The state-of-the-art facility, located along the Kayippuram- Pathiramanal Jetty road, is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare access to the local community.
Rejani, who passed away on August 9, 2024, after battling renal disease for years, was Kunjumon’s inspiration. “The pain and agony my family endured after her illness moved me deeply. I decided to build this laboratory so that others don’t have to suffer due to lack of diagnostic support,” he said.
The laboratory offers diagnostic services at a reduced cost – 40 to 50% lower than usual rates.
In a remarkable gesture of compassion, all tests for bedridden patients are completely free of charge. “This is not a business. The money collected is only used to pay the salary of the four staffers employed here,” he added.
The lab is built under the banner of Sauhrudavedy Vayanasala, a community library that has been a cornerstone of the village since its founding in 1997. Kunjumon, who has served as its president for the past 27 years, utilised 8 cents of land for the laboratory and spent over Rs 35 lakh on advanced equipment and construction.
Sauhrudavedy is more than just a library. It is a hub of charity and community- focused activities.
A two-storey building that houses the library was inaugurated by singer K J Yesudas in 2000. The library has a wide range of newspapers and periodicals. It also operates nine self-help groups with a working capital of Rs 40 lakh, and a children’s unit involving more than 150 students.
The new laboratory will be inaugurated on Saturday by former minister V M Sudheeran. Kidney Foundation chairman Fr Davis Chiramel and Alappuzha collector Alex Varghese are among the dignitaries expected to attend.
Kunjumon, who retired as an Ameen from the Cherthala Court last year, now finds solace and purpose in this deeply personal project. His children, Athira and Azad, stand by his side as he transforms personal grief into a mission of healing for his village.
Service is free of charge for bedridden patients
The state-of-the-art facility, located along the Kayippuram- Pathiramanal Jetty road, is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare access to the local community. It offers diagnostic services at a reduced cost – 40 to 50% lower than usual rates. All tests for bedridden patients are completely free of charge.