Shri Mathew T. Thomas, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources,
Shri Oommen Chandy, MLA, former Chief Minister,
Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan MLA,
Most Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Oommen, Moderator Bishop, Church of South India,
Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Marthoma, Metropolitan, Malankara
Marthoma Syrian Church,
His Holiness Baselious Marthoma Paulose II Catholicose,
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church,
Prof. K. V. Paulose, Chairman Mandirams,
Shri George Varghese, Deputy Chairman,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to address this august gathering at the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Mandiram Hospital at Maangaanam, Kottayam.
Let me at the outset, convey my best wishes to the management and staff of this hospital, which has been catering to the health needs of the people in this locality during the last seven and a half decades. Managed by the Mundakapaadam Mandirams Society and governed by a committee consisting of the members of three churches, this hospital is well known for the helping hand it offers to needy patients.
The contribution of Christianity and the Church to the development of Kerala has been well recognized, especially in the fields of education and healthcare. As a State which has attained a human development index which is at par with that of the most advanced societies in the world, Kerala has set an example in maintaining an efficient healthcare system.
However, one should concede that the progress we have achieved, especially through the celebrated Kerala model of healthcare, was also due to the service of the hospitals run by charitable and religious institutions. Today, as we begin to rewrite the Kerala model, we realize that nearly 60% of our population depends on private health care facilities, which have been updating their facilities on a regular basis. I am certain that Mandiram Hospital also has been contributing its share to sustain the efficient health care system in the State.
I was moved by the story of sacrifice behind the establishment of this hospital by the Late P.C. George, a saintly person who welcomed the destitute to his house. The story of how opened a small dispensary in a thatched hut, looked after destitute along with his sister Leyamma and how she died due to Cholera while looking after patients, conveys a model of selfless service.
In fact, it is such numerous instances of sacrifice and hard work of several well known and unknown people that contributed to the giant strides made by Kerala in healthcare. While remembering such sacrifices, we are also reminded of a past with the threat of diseases and very limited facilities and resources. That a nursing school started by Mandirams in 1961 bears the name of the Late Sevini Leyamma is a befitting way to remind us of her sacrifice as well as the limitations of the past. Recalling those yesteryears should strengthen our resolve to work harder for a healthier Kerala.
The growth of the institutions set up by the Late
P.C. George also reveal the far-sighted vision behind their establishment. I am happy to note that the Mandiram which once opened its doors to the deprived sections of society, now can accommodate over 2500 persons. At a time when the elderly population as well as the neglect and alienation of the elderly are on the increase, such facilities have become essential in every locality so that the neglected old people can live peacefully.
I am informed that the hospital which began in a thatched hut has now grown into a 200 bedded multi-specialty facility with nearly 15 specialties including Cardiology, Urology, Laparoscopic surgery etc. I must appreciate the gesture of giving free treatment to general ward patients and those who need Palliative care or dialysis. It is good to know that these services are part of the policy of the hospital to keep aside 10% of the total revenue to give free treatment to patients.
Most of us are aware of Kerala's sad fate as the State with high substance abuse as well as too many suicides. The number of cases being registered against people who sell narcotic drugs has of late, increased. Alcohol also plays the villain's role in many families. All these have necessitated the spreading of the facilities for de-addiction and counseling. As the hospital which established the first Psychiatric centre in the private sector in Kerala, Mandiram Hospital's decision to build a larger rehab centre and new residential building as recovery home for those seeking treatment for mental health issues and de-addiction, is certainly laudable. I understand that the strong foundation laid by famous psychiatrist
Dr. Baker Fenn in 1972 has helped this hospital to offer very good services in these fields.
Managements and staff of Hospitals should always bear in mind that they have social obligations beyond providing medical care. The institutions in the health care sector have to work according to the pulse of the society, through timely responses to health issues that affect society. Creation of awareness about the prevention of communicable diseases through effective management of waste should be a priority in their outreach programmes.
The involvement of the youth in the immediate community should also be a priority. In the case of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s we actually need to ensure that every family is educated on how to handle such patients.
I feel this informal training is possible by sensitizing our youth. Overall, the private sector in Healthcare should become more active in the promotion of a healthy life style in society by engaging our youth in useful physical activity.
I am aware that the Mandiram Hospital is engaged in some of these activities. I sincerely hope that the Platinum Jubilee becomes the right opportunity to strengthen the level of such work.
I once again greet the management and staff of the Hospital and wish them many years of fruitful service to society.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
***
