Many medical instruments were badly broken, some were rusted, and others were unfit for use. These included microscopes, blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograph machines, centrifuges, X-ray machines, computers, geriatric beds, metal cots, and trolleys that once formed the healthcare facilities of District Hospital, Mananthavady.
However, the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers of Government Engineering College Wayanad, Mananthavady, took up the repair of damaged equipment, dumped at the corners of the hospital, and have given a new lease of life to the hospital.
The volunteers undertook the repairs during a week-long camp that concluded on Sunday, as part of a Statewide project ‘Punarjani,’ an initiative of the Directorate of Technical Education and the NSS Technical Cell.
Punarjani scheme
“The project was primarily aimed at giving a rebirth (Punarjani) to the damaged and out-of-use furniture and other healthcare facilities at government hospitals across the State by repairing them with the help of the Technical Cell of the NSS from different parts of the State,” Abid Tharavattath, NSS programme officer of the college, said
350 articles
“We repaired nearly 350 articles worth Rs.50 lakh, including X-ray machines, geriatric bed, microscopes, blood pressure monitors, computers, drip-stands trolleys, and metal shelves, which were in disrepair,” said K.A. Abdul Vasih, volunteer secretary of the unit.
“All the refurbished items are as good as new now and can be used for a long time,” said Hanna Varghese, volunteer secretary, female section, of the unit.
Eighty-four volunteers took part in the camp.
