Super-speciality hospital touches 2.5 lakh cases - Article in The Times of India

May 11, 2004

April 29, 2004

Super-speciality hospital touches 2.5 lakh cases

B.S. MANU RAO

TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2004 02:32:25 AM ] BANGALORE: A steady

stream of patients reaches the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical

Sciences’ super-speciality hospital in Whitefield, and has now touched a

landmark of 2.5 lakh.

Most of them belong to the lower income group, and many come in from Nepal, Sri

Lanka, South Africa and even some European countries. "The cases we have

treated are from the economically weaker sections. Free healthcare and

life-saving procedures have wider ramifications. It saves entire families from

destitution," says Dr A.N. Safaya, director of the hospital, a unit of Sri

Sathya Sai Medical Trust.

Since inception in January 2001, doctors here have performed complicated

procedures in cardiac and neuro branches, with state-of-the-art technology. In

commercial terms, the cost of treatment meted out free is around Rs 150 crore.

Lakhs of patients depend entirely on the hospital.

"This hospital serves as a model. Many said it was not possible to offer this

level of care free of cost, but we have done it," says Dr Safaya.

Here, holistic healthcare is the mantra. Procedures apart, thousands use the

free cardiac out-patient care that is well beyond their means. Counselling is

also part of treatment.

"Philanthropic bodies and lateral medical agencies should replicate this model,"

says Dr P.K. Dash, chief of cardiology. According to him, at least another 900

beds of tertiary care facility are needed immediately in Bangalore. "Cardiac

treatment is beyond the reach of many and we have to bring it to them. It seems

daunting, but it isn’t impossible."

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