The Hindu Business Line : Mobile hospital for AP rural areas launched

THE Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) has launched a rural medicare aid project in the field of gastro diseases, which are widely prevalent in the country.

With generous financial support (Rs 50 lakh) from Mr G. Pulla Reddy of the Pulla Reddy sweets fame, the AIG has designed `Rural Mobile Hospitals,' which will reach three select villages in Andhra Pradesh to start with.

The Rs 3 crore initiative, will take off with three fully equipped mobile vans, fitted with medical equipment and managed by qualified doctors in Kurnool (Rayalaseema), Warangal (Telangana) and Vijayawada (Coastal) regions of the State.

The initial cost of these vans is around Rs one crore with annual maintenance of around Rs 20 lakh, said Dr D. Nageswara Reddy, Chief of Gastroenterology of AIG. Funds for the initiative, which he claimed was the first of its kind in India, came through donations from individuals and organisations.

To be run by the Asian Health Care Foundation, these mobile hospitals will provide free healthcare to people in rural areas, particularly those who cannot afford costly treatment.

At least 30 per cent of people suffer from gastro-related diseases. Peptic ulcer, diarrhoea, hepatitis, gastrointestinal disorders are common. The AIG has approached the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to establish telecommunication systems, so that a telemedicine link can be established with the main hospital in Hyderabad, Dr Reddy said.

The AIG plans to take the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), involve Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in collecting data, providing medicare etc.

The function was marked with a felicitation to the 85-year-old Mr Pulla Reddy, who miraculously survived a serious ailment, which was treated by the AIG medical team. Moved by this and the desire to serve the poor with better medical care, Mr Reddy had announced the donation.

Responding to felicitations, he urged the medical practitioners, the rich and industrialists to support the creation of basic infrastructure in rural areas through generous donations.

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