Date : April 01, 2023
Amrita Hospital provides free cardiology screenings for over 270 disadvantaged children in Tamil Nadu
Amrita Hospital, Kochi, conducted a free cardiology screening camp in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, specifically for disadvantaged children with heart conditions. Specialists provided diagnostic evaluations for approximately 270 children, focusing on congenital heart defects. Of those screened, around 50 children in need will receive free treatments and surgeries at the hospital in Kochi.
The camp was conducted on December 3rd at Amrita Vidyalayam, Amma’s Senior Secondary School in Ramanathapuram. Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Head of the Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, lead the initiative in collaboration with the Genesis Foundation and HDFC Ergo. Brahmacharini Lakshmi, the administrator of Amrita Vidyalayams in Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram, also played a key role.
Regular camps are scheduled for the area, as it is a region where the people face great economic challenges. According to Tamil Nadu’s State Planning Commission, 31.27% of families in Ramanathapuram live below the poverty line as of 2013-14. In addition, the 2011 Census of India reported that 18.4% of the district’s 1.35 million people are Scheduled Caste.
“Amrita Hospital, Kochi, is committed to identifying children in need of heart surgery or catheter procedures and providing them with free care, including surgery. This philanthropic effort is made possible through the generous support of the Genesis Foundation and Amrita Heart Care Foundation,” said Dr. Krishnakumar.
The camp addressed the issue of congenital heart defects affecting over 2,50,000 children born annually in India, necessitating intervention for 25% within their first year. Barriers such as limited resources, low awareness, and financial constraints deprive many children of timely medical care, impacting their chances of leading normal lives.
The event was inaugurated by Brahmachari Nikhilesamrita Chaitanya of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Tamil Nadu. Thiru. Ramakrishnan, Principal, Amrita Vidyalayam, Ramanathapuram welcomed the gathering and Thiru. Balavel Murugan, Vice-Principal of the school delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Additional districts within Tamil Nadu are also part of Amrita Hospital’s broader initiative to offer essential medical care to those in need. This initiative marks an expansion of outreach programs in the state as part of the hospital’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations.
Amrita Hospital’s Paediatric Heart Program has performed approximately 32,500 paediatric cardiac operations and catheter interventions. The hospital has extended free or subsidised care to 24,300 children so far.
Date : October 07, 2023
Free Multispecialty Medical Camp for Disadvantaged People Organized by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
As part of the AYUSHMAN BHAV Campaign, the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Kochi collaborated with the Malayidamthuruthu Community Health Centre to host a free multispecialty medical camp for disadvantaged individuals on October 7, 2023. The event, held at the CHC Malayidamthuruthu, commenced at 9:30 am and aimed to deliver critical healthcare services to those with limited access. Mr. Anwar Ali K M, President of the Vazhakulam Block Panchayat, inaugurated the camp, while Mrs. Lissy Sebastian, Health Standing Committee Chairperson, presided over the event, underscoring the importance of accessible medical services for underserved communities.
The camp witnessed significant participation, with 235 individuals registering to receive a range of medical consultations. Esteemed doctors from AIMS Kochi, including Dr. Vivek (General Medicine), Dr. Prateek Kumar (Ophthalmology), Dr. Navya George (Pediatrics), and Dr. Vinita (Gynecology), offered their expertise to attendees. These specialists conducted thorough evaluations and provided personalized medical advice, addressing the immediate health needs of each patient.
In addition to consultations, the camp offered essential healthcare services, such as cancer screenings, lifestyle disease identification, ABHA ID card registration, and various laboratory tests. These services were particularly valuable for early detection and preventive care. Concluding at 3 pm, the medical camp succeeded in extending critical healthcare support to the community, reinforcing AIMS’s commitment to improving health outcomes for disadvantaged populations.
Date : August 06, 2023
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Hosts Program for Disadvantaged Communities in Celebration of World Breastfeeding Week
On August 6, 2023, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, in coordination with the Community Medicine Department and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), organized a program in connection with World Breastfeeding Week at the Nayarambalam Panchayath office. The event commenced at 10:40 am and welcomed 73 participants, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative aimed to provide vital information and support to families who may lack access to essential health.
The program featured Dr. Adheena, a pediatrician, and Ms. Smitha, a nutritionist from Palluruthi, who shared their expertise with the attendees. Dr. Adheena conducted an informative session focusing on child-rearing practices, the importance of breast milk, and the prevention of childhood diseases. Her insights emphasized the critical role of breastfeeding in enhancing child health and immunity. Following her session, a pediatric clinic was held, where 37 children approached the clinic for consultations, allowing families to seek direct medical advice.
Ms. Smitha also provided consultations on nutrition, further reinforcing the program’s focus on promoting healthy practices among mothers and children. The event concluded at 3:00 pm, successfully empowering disadvantaged families with knowledge about breastfeeding, child care, and nutrition. Through this initiative, AIMS demonstrated its commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting the well-being of vulnerable communities in the region.
Date : October 19, 2023
Geriatric Club Meeting by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences for Refugee and Immigrant Communities
The Geriatric Club of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences held its weekly meeting on Thursday, 19th October 2023, specially organized for refugee and immigrant communities. The meeting began at 11:00 am with a prayer led by a club member, setting a warm and welcoming tone. The program was coordinated by Anagha S (MSW), who ensured the session ran smoothly. Following the prayer, Dr. Nandana led an informative session on “Arthritis,” providing valuable insights and practical advice tailored to the needs of the attendees.
After the session, club members and interns conducted a series of entertainment activities, creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere for participants. Mr. Paul, a club member, expressed gratitude with a heartfelt vote of thanks. The meeting concluded on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, marking the end of a successful event dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the refugee and immigrant community.
Date : September 21, 2023
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Hosts Awareness Program for Refugee and Immigrant Communities on World Alzheimer’s Day
On September 21, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences organized an awareness program in connection with World Alzheimer’s Day, specifically targeting refugee and immigrant communities. The event took place at the ACHTC, where MD Resident Sarah Joy and intern Vishnu led a comprehensive session aimed at educating attendees about Alzheimer’s disease. The program attracted 32 participants eager to learn about this critical health issue, reflecting the community’s interest in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by those affected by dementia.
During the 45-minute session, which began at 10:00 am and concluded at 10:45 am, Dr. Sarah provided valuable insights into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, the areas of the brain it affects, and essential caregiving strategies for patients. She also presented current statistical data on the prevalence of the disease, emphasizing its impact on families and communities. The informative nature of the session helped demystify the condition and foster a supportive environment for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
By focusing on the unique needs of refugee and immigrant communities, the program sought to raise awareness and provide practical knowledge for caregivers. The insights shared during the event aimed to empower participants with the information necessary to support loved ones and promote better understanding within their communities. Through this initiative, AIMS reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing health education and resources for vulnerable populations, ensuring that critical information about Alzheimer’s disease reaches those who need it most.