Patients from rural regions often find cure at city hospitals. But Eknathji Thakur’s heart went out to relatives who accompanied them and needed care too. He gives a first person account of how Samta Annachattra provided welcome relief in stressful times.
- Name:
Eknathji Thakur - Details:
Manager - Center:
Sant Gadge Baba Dharmshala, JJ Hospital - Experience:
Over 2 decades - Address:
JJ Hospital and College Campus, Unit 1, Mazgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008 - Challenge:
Rest and Nutrition for Relatives of Patients - Resolved through:
Annachhatra Initiative
Mumbai is a hub of advanced healthcare services, attracting patients from far and wide.
Patients from across Maharashtra, across socio-economic strata, from rural regions come to cities seeking respite for their health. And while they receive treatment and care, there are some who get none of it. Relatives of patients wait back selflessly and with anticipation, not caring about the scorching heat, rain, chilly nights or even hunger – taking care of the patient’s treatment and belongings. In 2011, we decided to take care of them too.
Affordable staying facilities at Sant Gadgebaba Dharamshala; rest and subsidised meals from Samta Annachhatra.
Sant Gadgebaba Dharamshala gave relatives a place to stay the night at a nominal cost, for months together. But people also needed a safe, dry and shaded place to rest for the day; and healthy, hygienic and frequent meals to power them through. Samta Foundation began Samta Annachhatra to provide subsidised meals and also maintained clean sheds around hospitals for relatives to rest.
I can never forget the elderly patient from Nanded in December 2014 who best sums up how Annachhatra has touched lives.
The lady travelled far to the city hospital in the hope of cataract surgery, but she had no money for stay or treatment. During admission, Samta Foundation realised her desperate condition, and covered treatment cost for her eyes, food and stay at the Dharamshala. As she finally left for home, all hale and hearty, her eyes welled up and said everything that her words could not.
Samta Annachatra, a much-needed relief provided to stressed relatives.
Hospital authorities did not have to worry about managing relatives. This also attracted more patients, as word of mouth about this kind of support spread. Every day, I saw people walking in and out of the sheds, relaxing and eating healthy. They supported and helped each other go through the challenges. That’s when Samta Annachatra ceased to be just food and shelter; it transformed into a positive message of health, hope and happiness for all.
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