We are putting up the hospital maruti van for a raffle sale, tickets being priced at Rs 500. The van is in reasonable condition. The draw will be held on 26th February. All proceeds will go towards the poor patients fund. This fund allows us to take care of patients who cannot pay for their treatment. We fund about thiry lac worth of treatment for poor patients every year. Despite our costs being low, patients still can find it difficult to pay. Research has shown that 80% of treatment in India comes from out of pocket expenditure from the patient. (BMJ August 1999). Recent reports from the Lancet also corroborate our experience (Lancet 2011; 377: 668–79). We tread the fine line between providing our service at reasonable cost, and being self sufficient, and at the same time being careful never to deny any patient treatment on account of cost. This is where the poor patient fund comes in. Even employees pay a contribution from their salary towards this fund monthly.
“Affordable, relevant and appropriate care, in the spirit of Christ”.
