By Narendra Puppala Bengaluru on August 14th, : In addition to the anniversary of the 75th year of India’s independence, Independence Day this year will also commemorate the anniversary of 49 years of the ‘Sunday Clinic’, a unique service which serves the residents of fifty villages located in the outside of Karnataka’s capital of Bengaluru.
It’s not an easy feat particularly when you consider that Dr .Ramana’s Sunday Clinic has served 2.6 million patients in the first year.
Since August 15, 1973, each Sunday, rain or shine the Padma Shri awardee has been traveling to T.Begur, a tiny village located about 30km away from Bengaluru.In short his clinic has become an emergency medical center and health for the people in the area.
“It’s become a routine.
Every Sunday morning I’m the first one to set off to T.Begur.” Dr.Rao said to IANS.
When the sun sets it is like all roads connect to T.Begur.By foot, two-wheelers bullock carts and tractors villager in hundreds arrive at the village from up to 50 km away.
All day long, T.Begur turns into a vast medical camp during the day while he as well as his crew of medical assistants, doctors and volunteers go to work.Dr Rao’s wife and daughters-in-law, two sons and grandchildren – are all involved in the Sunday clinic activities.
Motivated by Mahatma Gandhi’s statement that the soul of India lives in its villages Dr.Rao decided to give back to village dwellers who, for a variety of reasons, of who are unable to access or access quality medical care.
“I went into the village to look into the possibility of buying some land.I saw an elderly women who was sneezing and was unable to sit.All her family members had given up hope on her existence.I examined her immediately and then gave her medications that I had in my emergency medical kit.Within 30 minutes she was recovering well.I was quick to decide to set my own hospital in T.Begur because it was obvious that the residents in the area require regular medical attention,” he explained.
It was on the 15th of August 1973 when the Sunday Clinic was first established.Operating out of a makeshift tent Dr.Rao started treating villager without charging for the services he provided.This is a method that he continues to practice to today.
In addition to the diagnosis and treatment process, patients are also provided with free medications that will last until the next visit of the week.
Food is provided for free to all patients and their caregivers in the Sunday Clinic.
“A lot of corporates and well-wishers are willing to assist us out with medications and other items that we distribute to patients” Dr.Rao said.
From skin conditions, diabetes to dental issues and heart problems, Dr.Rao and his staff tackle each medical issue with compassion and inspire confidence in the patients.At the time the end of day the clinic sees around 1,000 patients per day.
Dr Rao’s yeoman service has been noticed by many.The Guinness Book of Records featured Dr Rao when he hit the’million patients’ mark, while India’s Limca Book of World Records recognized the Sunday Clinic as the world’s longest-running and longest-running one.
“With the right intentions and determination anyone can make a significant impact.The change isn’t necessary in large cities.It’s possible in small villages , too,” the doctor in his 70s explains.
As it is poised to enter its 50th year Dr Rao’s Sunday Clinic in T.Begur, continues to draw people to the high-quality medical care it provides for at no cost to the people.It’s a testament of the faith and trust his selfless service has brought in over a million people during 49 years.
pvn/shs
