While contesting elections, every political party promises increased healthcare funding, but the actual funding is pathetic, said N. Ram, Chairman, THG Publishing Pvt. Limited, on Friday.
At a function organised by the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital to mark the success of a free surgery camp held recently, he said neighbouring countries had better healthcare.
“Universal healthcare must be recognised as a fundamental right and the World Health Organisation has proclaimed it. But India is still a long way from meeting this. It has been the cause of ruin to many families, as they cannot afford expensive surgeries,” Mr. Ram added.
Access to treatment
He appreciated the hospital for its idealism and commitment to offering excellent treatment and access. A total of 47 children with complicated medical problems, requiring surgery, were treated for free at the hospital recently. The camp was made possible through donations, said A.C. Muthiah, chairman of The CHILDS Trust. The hospital, accredited by national agencies, served not only the underprivileged, but also the elite, he said. The beneficiaries were chosen based on the difficulty level of the surgery required and their socio-economic status, said S. Balasubramaniam, medical director. As many as 21 urological, seven neurological, 11 orthopaedic and four cardiothoracic surgeries, besides ENT and dental surgeries, were performed. He said 46 patients had recovered, while one was recuperating in the hospital.
The hospital’s chief executive officer, S. Chandramohan, said in the previous financial year, it spent ₹4 crore on free and concessional treatment. It had also crowd-sourced funds for its free services. The success of its free camp, made possible by donations from the Sahachari Foundation and the United Educational Foundation, had encouraged the hospital to conduct two free surgery camps this year, he added. Devaki Muthiah distributed presents to the children who underwent surgeries.
