Bangalore:
Have you come across a hospital that provides treatment for Rs 10? If not, then visit Vasavi Health Care a consultation and medicines cost you Rs 10. To avail this facility, you need not claim a Below Poverty Line status. The treatment will be provided irrespective of your caste, creed or status in society. It all started when a man approached the secretary of Hongirana Trust, R P Ravishankar, for financial help to treat his renal problems. "I have forgotten his name. He requested me to give Rs 1,000 for dialysis since he was suffering from renal failure. He pleaded me to provide a livelihood for his wife and child since he was not sure for how long he'll survive. This incident prompted me to do something that helps poor people," recalls Ravishankar.
When Ravishankar discussed the plan of setting up a dialysis unit for poor people, his friend and well-wisher Dr P N Govindarajulu encouraged him. "It was a good idea. The objective is to serve patients from poor families. There are around 5,000 people suffering from renal failure in the state and 2,000 are waiting for dialysis. Renal failure is considered as the rich disease of poor man," says Dr Govindarajulu.
Together, Ravishankar and Govindarajulu decided to start Vasavi Health Care centre at 8th Cross, Malleswaram but it did not work out. Later, they decided to start the programme in K G General Hospital, Malleswaram, but that too did not succeed due to some administrative problems. "We have to be grateful to MLA Dr C N Aswathnarayana who was instrumental in getting us the space on BBMP Hospital premises at Palace Guttahalli Circle," says Govindarajulu.
Currently, there are 15 dialysis machines at Vasavi Health Care. "Around 30 patients can undergo dialysis for Rs 600 per session. We have now opened a diabetic care unit too. A group of doctors have come forward to educate diabetic patients on their diet. We have an audio-video facility help us in the process," said Ravishankar.
The other facility at Vasavi Health Care is the online ECG facility that is available for just `100. The Vasavi Health Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with Narayana Hrudayalaya to facilitate online ECG report for patients. "The online ECG report is available within 15 minutes," he said.
There is a general health check-up for common cold, fever, head ache and vomiting among other ailments. "We collect Rs 10 for consultation. This unit is open from Monday to Saturday. We will provide medicines to the patients without collecting extra money," he explains.
For Ravishankar, it is a dream come true.