Times of India
01 November 2010
Bangalore, India

Sparsh Vachana Project Provides Medical Care To 200 Children
Eight–year–old Mahesh smiled when cameras flashed in the ward. He got up, gave a rose to the Lokayukta, shook hands with him and shyly covered his face with the pallu of his mother’s sari. This differently abled child and 199 others in Sparsh can look forward to the days ahead with hope.

The hospital on Sunday launched the Sparsh Vachana programme that provides medical care to 200 physically challenged children who otherwise cannot afford such complex treatment. The programme is being conducted for the second year.

Around 600 applications were received from Karnataka and neighbouring states, of which 200 were selected after screening. Mahesh, who has cerebral palsy, suffered brain damage due to insufficient supply of oxygen at birth. He cannot speak or walk properly. "He understands everything. We send him to the anganwadi for two hours every day. This camp is our only hope," said Kavitha, his mother.

The programme is meant for people from humble background. For instance, this I PUC student lost her father and her mother has no job. "I want my leg to be fixed so that I can become a doctor when I grow up," said Pavana from Mandya district.

"These conditions not only affect the lives of children, but also of their family. The time and expenditure spent on them can be saved when they are helped," said Sharan Patil of Sparsh.

A group of specialist doctors from India and the United Kingdom are treating the children. "I was so enriched by last year’s experience. One small sacrifice from our side can mean a lot to these children. It was a privilege to see the kids whom we treated last year doing good. It’s so inspiring," said Jane Smith, a hospital matron who is here for the second time.

Inaugurating the programme, Lokayukta Santosh Hegde said: "Healthcare is still inaccessible to a lot of people in the country. Today in India, a basic quality that is missing in some doctors is humanity. They are paid well. Their salaries have been increased thrice between 2006 and ‘08. They take oath to serve humanity and that quality has to be there."

Hegde visited the wards where around 50 children were admitted. He was greeted with flowers by the children as doctors explained to him their medical conditions.

The children who underwent surgeries last year met the doctors and extended support to this year’s patients. Like Vishnu and his family who travelled from Kerala. "He used to walk on toes earlier. We had to take him around in autorickshaws and buy him shoes every month. After the surgery, he is fine. You name the game and he plays it. We have not bought new shoes in the past one year," said Vishnu’s relatives.

The programme will be held till November 14. Almost 55% of the children this year are boys and the majority is in the age group of 3 to 14 years. Nearly 18 to 20 surgeries will be performed every day to rectify the musculoskeletal abnormalities. The entire treatment is valued at Rs 1.6 crore.