Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | 14th May 2021: The Jain Annapurna Trust, which has been in the forefront for providing relief to patients affected by the second wave of COVID -19, inaugurated a 40-bed facility with intensive care unit (ICU) and ventilator beds at Hande Hospital, Shenoy Nagar on Thursday. The facility, which will be operational round-the-clock will provide free stay and treatment to critically ill patients who are struggling to find a place for medical treatments and will be monitored by a team of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. The center was inaugurated at a function held at the hospital earlier today, by Tamil Nadu Health Minister Thiru MA Subramaniam along with Thiru Mohan MK, MLA Annanagar constituency and Thiru HV Hande, Former State Health Minister.
This is the second COVID care center arranged by the trust in Chennai. The first center launched in association with Bharathirajaa Hospital, T Nagar has been operational since the last 45 days. According to the trust, the COVID care center will provide medical aid to all patients who are affected by COVID-19 irrespective of their caste and religion. “Last year, along with other social groups like JITO, RYA etc. we have provided treatment to over 5000 patients at Bharathiraja Hospital under the able leadership of Dr. Sri Arumugam. Our focus is to offer medicine for all. With the second wave raging, we have already commenced activities at Bharathiraja Hospital, T. NAGAR, and are now joining hands with Hande Hospital, Shenoy Nagar, to enhance the Government’s effort to fight the pandemic,” said Narendra Srisrimal, Trustee Jain Annapurna Trust.
Speaking at the inaugural program, Hon’ble Health Minister, Thiru MA Subramaniam said that the new government under the leadership of Thiru M. K. Stalin has been working hard to fight this pandemic. The government is taking a proactive approach to making sure every hospital has adequate resources to face the second wave. It’s encouraging to note that despite its size, this forty-bed facility is well equipped with oxygen supply and has ensured availability of oxygen to all their patients. The minister also expressed concern over many small hospitals that lack sufficient amount of oxygen preparedness and end up sending away patients to GH when they become critical. The minister went on to add – “Everyone should follow this example. Small hospitals should work on arranging for critical oxygen so patients are not turned away the last minute.” He also added that the government is fully preparing for the vaccination drive and that they are writing to the PM asking for emergency equipments and other lifesaving drugs and that the government is working overtime to face this pandemic.
Dr. Arumugam, the Chief Doctor at COVID Care Center added that the hospital is running well equipped. He said, “We have enough oxygen beds for every patient. We have procured additional high flow oxygen machines, BiPAP machines and ventilators to enhance the preparedness. The hospital was already operative with hundred beds for COVID care. With the opening of this second facility with 40 beds we now have a capacity of 140 beds altogether under the Jain Anna Poorna Trust. We are trying our best to serve the people who are in dire need of help in this pandemic.” he concluded.
Jain Annapurna Trust has been an active humanitarian organization since its formation in April 2020. This Relief and Charity organization formed by the Jain Community of Chennai was constituted following the principles of Lord Mahaveer – “No mankind shall sleep hungry” and has been actively involved in distributing food and water to the needy and underprivileged irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The trust has been serving free food at Adyar Cancer Hospital to over 500 patients every day. They also supplied meals and grocery kits during the last lockdown. Over 30,000 packets of food were also served to travelers stuck due to lockdown at Central and Egmore stations.
