Charity spruces up care on Kozhikode Medical College Hospital premises

KOZHIKODE: Charity institutions and volunteer groups are providing a yeoman service on the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) premises here. Hundreds of patients and bystanders are relieved thanks to the free accommodation, food and drug supply provided by half a dozen organisations. Cancer patients having continuous radiation and dialysis patients are the most benefited.

C.H. Centre run by C.H. Mohammed Koya Memorial Charitable Trust has been distributing free food to more than 500 persons daily. Besides, 50 patients utilise dialysis service and free drugs daily. “Food is being distributed on a token basis. We are mulling to set up accommodation facility soon,” says M.A. Razak Master, general secretary of the trust.  De Paul Care Centre arranges 70 rooms for heart surgery, kidney, cancer patients and their bystanders. 

“A meagre Rs 50 is being charged per day. Our service is being utilised mostly by cancer patients. They need special care from infection and a calm atmosphere,” says De Paul Centre director Fr. John Kodiyamkunnel. According to him, the accommodation is being provided as per the note of consulting doctors which depend on the gravity of the disease and the distance from where the patient comes. Child patients are not entertained here fearing infection. 

Oshana Bhavan is the institution run by Thamarassery Diocese which can accommodate 20 patients along with a bystander.  “Admission is only for cancer patients. Stay and food are free of cost,” says Suma, the care-taker. ‘Sahayi’ is another group providing free meals at evenings. The same team provides ambulance service also.

“These institutions have been doing unparalleled service. The patients who need continuous treatment will be in a bankrupt state with the medicine bill. Had not for this kindness, many would have stopped treatment,” says Sadanandan V.C., a relative of a cancer patient from Vadakara.