Mahavir International, a social service organisation, launched a permanent free clinic in the city on Sunday.
The clinic that was earlier being operated on certain days in a week, will now run on all days.
The clinic, located close to Simhadri Hospital near the District Collector’s office, was inaugurated by Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust M.T. Krishna Babu.
Mahavir International was formed in 1975 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and the Visakhapatnam centre was launched in 2001 with the idea of working for the uplift of the poor and the downtrodden and take up environmental causes, said the organisation’s International president Shantilalji Kawar.
According to Mr. Kawar, there are about 400 branches across India and about 11 International chapters will be coming up shortly.
General secretary of the organisation Navaratan Parakh said that it was not a religious organisation.
EnvironmentOn the environment front, the organisation has planted over 5 lakh saplings across the country till date.
“We also focus on eye care and have three fully equipped mobile vehicles to conduct free eye camps. So far, we have treated 1.5 lakh patients, conducted over 22,000 free surgeries, and distributed 17,000 spectacles to those who cannot afford,” said Mr. Shantilalji.
Mahavir International has also been playing its part in improvement of infant mortality rate. It has so far distributed over 1.5 lakh hygienic baby kits.
Mahavir International local chairman H.M. Choksi said that the clinic would be housed at Ravichand Bothra Trust Building. To begin with, equipment costing Rs. 3 lakh, had been installed.
“It will have a full-time physician and specialists will make rounds as and when required. We will also conduct free diagnostic tests and have tied-up with Vijaya Medical Centre,” said Mr. Choksi.
