The Lourdes Matha Care Centre, a city mission of the Archdiocese of Chanaganassery, rendered yeoman service to the scores of indigent in-patients and bystanders at the Medical College Hospital, Regional Cancer Centre, and the SAT Hospital here who were left helpless following a national-level strike called by trade unions on Tuesday.
A group of the mission members led by director Fr. Sony Mundunadakkal distributed meals to about 1,000 persons at around 12.30 p.m. Since restaurants were closed and the wayside food vendors did not turn up, the initiative was lauded by the indigent patients who would have been forced to starve till evening.
“The poor are the worst affected by any strike or ‘bandh.' Since all the hotels and eateries are closed down, they have no other option but to starve through the day. That is why we decided to distribute meals for the poor. Today we were able to provide meals to about 1,200 people. The entire service is being run with the support of well-wishers who come forward with liberal assistance,” Fr. Sony said.
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“We also offer financial assistance for purchasing medicines and chemotherapy for the poor patients besides providing accommodation for the bystanders of indigent patients. On getting more support, we intend to take it to other hospitals too, Fr. Sony said.