Fund for poor patients at Karnal medical college

In a major relief for underprivileged and needy patients, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) has begun an initiative “Poor Patient Welfare Fund”. The scheme has been introduced with the initiative of Dr Pankaj Saini, Deputy Director Prosecution-cum-District Attorney and KCGMC Director Dr MK Garg. The fund will help in covering essential medical expenses that many patients cannot afford, claimed the authorities. The hospital already has a Hospital Welfare Society, which has a welfare account.

“With the implementation of the scheme, patients from economically weaker sections who visit the hospital for treatment will no longer have to worry about financial constraints. Medical expenses, including medicines, diagnostic tests, surgeries and post-operative care will now be covered under the fund,” said Saini.

He claimed that Karnal was leading the way in introducing a welfare fund, setting an example for others to follow.

Saini explained that the objective behind establishing the fund was to ensure that no underprivileged or needy person was deprived of healthcare due to financial limitations. He credited the initiative’s realisation to the positive vision of Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, under whose guidance the fund was created.

“Often, due to a lack of money, patients are unable to get the treatment they need. The fund will help them access appropriate care, thus improving not only their health but also reducing the financial burden on their families,” he said.

He said the fund was modeled after a similar initiative at the PGIMER, Chandigarh, where fines imposed by High Court judges on convicts were deposited to the PGI Poor Patients Welfare Fund and used for the treatment of poor and needy patients.

Uttam Singh praised the initiative, calling it a commendable collaboration between the district administration and the medical college. “Such efforts should be promoted further to ensure inclusive access to healthcare services,” he said.

Saini said Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr Sushil Kumar Garg directed the deposit of Rs 1.40 lakh from fines collected in the court into this fund. He highlighted Dr Garg’s past contributions as well, having facilitated donations to institutions such as the Blind School in Sector 26, Chandigarh.

Haryana Tribune