Shri K. Muraleedharan MLA,
Shri O. Rajagopal MLA,
Swami Mokshavratananda,
Swami Golokanandaji Maharaj,
Shri K. Suresh, District Governor, Lions Club International,
Dist.318 A,
Shri N.S. Sankar, LCIF Trustee, Lions Club International,
Shri R. Murugan, Past Intl., Director, Lions Club International,
Shri Dr. A.G. Rajendran, First Vice-District Governor Elect,
Friends in the Media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to inaugurate the newly built full-fledged Blood Bankat Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Charitable Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, set up with assistance from Lions Club International.
It is well known that the Sri Ramakrishna Mission has been offering matchless services in health care and general welfare of the people during the last eight decades. Guided by Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy that Service to man is service to God, the Hospital has been providing medical care to people at the most affordable rates. Today, with the opening of the new blood bank, the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Charitable Hospital has broadened its reach to hundreds of people who are in need of blood for treatment. I would therefore, place on record, my deep sense of appreciation for this initiative of the Mission.
I also compliment the Lions District 318 A, the major donor of this Blood Bank project, which has cost around Rs.110 lakhs. The Lions Club International, as we all know, is the world's largest community service organization spread over more than 210 countries, extending its resources for the betterment of the society and the world at large.
The story of the origin of this hospital in 1939 as the Narendra Mission Charitable Dispensary and its growth in later years are so well known that I need not dwell upon it now. I vividly recall that last year, I had inaugurated the new surgical facility in this hospital. In fact, every development, including the Blood bank which has been opened today, conform to the Mission's proclaimed policy of working towards alleviating human suffering by rendering service through medical, educational and developmental activities.
Of late, We have been witnessing an increased governmental spending for the improvement of the health infrastructure with a thrust on Trauma care, mental health, geriatric care etc. Kerala's attempt is to create a new model in health care, which other States can follow. However, since over 60% of the people depend on private hospitals in Kerala, there has to be a renewed interest on the part of privately managed hospitals also to improve their facilities and to reduce the cost of medical services so that more people get access to good treatment. The efforts of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Charitable Hospital to set up a sophisticated Blood Bank is therefore, a thoughtful contribution to the State's ambitious plans in the health sector.
The World Health Organization sees Blood as a vital resource needed both in usual treatment and in urgent and complex medical procedures. Often, the lack of timely availability of blood causes considerable difficulties to people. In our country, even with more than 2,750 licensed blood banks, there are over a dozen States that face a shortage in the availability of blood for treatment. In fact, Kerala's requirement of five lakh units of blood also is not always achieved. Therefore, while setting up modern blood banks is essential, it is also vital to encourage people to donate blood once in a while.
Here, I would suggest that the Ashram utilize the services of its different centres spread out in Thiruvananthapuram district and in Tamil Nadu for creating awareness about the need to donate blood. Along with the provision of study aid materials, nutritious food & tuition etc., to students, you could also create awareness about blood donation. I would stress on voluntary donation, since it has to be developed as a habit among the youth who would see prestige in doing social work.
The functioning of the Blood Bank has to give priority to ensuring the quality of blood, for which, the concept of Haemovigilance has to be strictly adhered to. Though it is very important to encourage blood donation, We also need strict vigilance and surveillance in the selection of donors, transport and conditioning, blood component processing etc.
I understand that the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Charitable Hospital has been on the path of development in the recent years, with the active support of business and charitable institutions. I sincerely hope that the hospital's desire to establish better Imaging and Radiology facilities and to upgrade the Nursing institution would soon become a reality. Any improvement made to the facilities here would certainly be a step towards improvement of the life of the common man.
In conclusion, I would request the Sri Ramakrishna Mission to reach out to society more actively so that people become aware of the affordable services offered by this hospital. Along with this, it would be good to use the services of the Lions Club to convince people, especially the youth about the importance of donating blood.
I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner. I also hope that the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama Charitable Hospital receives adequate cooperation from business houses and philanthropists for improving its facilities.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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