Bengaluru: At St Martha’s Hospital, healing touch continues after treatment
The entire staff now makes shawls, baby booties, jewellery and handicrafts and sells them to fund patient's expenses
Bengaluru: When doctors go beyond being just healers or physicians to being a support group for needy patients, what we get is a society not only free from disease but also a happy one.
The doctors of this multi-specialty hospital with over 550 beds have gone beyond being just medical practitioners. The entire staff now makes shawls, baby booties, jewellery and handicrafts and sells them to fund patient's expenses. The hospital founded a volunteering group, 'Love in Action', to spread love and cheer around.
From what started at the physiotherapy ward in 2008 as a volunteering group, has now found many takers in the form of students, guardians and relatives of patients as well. "The idea behind it is that people in white coats should not only treat but also assist patients in every way can and make it a people's hospital," says Dr Jason Furtado, HOD - Physiotherapy and Rehab, St. Martha’s Hospital.
The hospital's Volunteering Services are dedicated to provide an opportunity for the youth to exercise their duty to serve the sick and poor in their community. "The patients get a refreshing opportunity to socialize and gain motivation from the volunteers, whereas the youth get an opportunity to experience social realities and selfless service," says Dr Jason.
The doctors make Easter eggs during the Easter season and sell it during the annual fete to collect funds for the needy. "My room is filled with wools, threads, wires and many raw materials which people donate. And volunteers also knit woollens so that they can be sold for charity." informs Dr Jason.
The hospital's volunteering opportunities include, Hospicare which includes opportunities to work in the hospital help desk, and assist in various patient-related services. Then there is creativity in recycling landscaping projects under 'Green Project' and lastly Health Empowerment which includes projects designed to educate and empower patients to their right to good health and wellness.