Medical Camps
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Charitable medical dispensaries are now functioning
at all centres of the M.A. Math. Thousands of
poor people benefit from the medical and eye
treatment camps held regularly at these centres.
The patients are treated by specialist doctors
and given medicines, free of charge. If necessary,
they are sent to AIMS for further treatment.
The free pharmacy is kept going by volunteers
who go daily to the local medical institutions
to collect their unwanted stock. |
Amrita Mobile Medical Assistance
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In addition to the dispensaries at the ashrams,
doctors reach out the poor and needy in remote
areas through medical camps. Camps are conducted
in the tribal villages of Idukki and Wynad, two
of the most beautiful districts of Kerala, with
rolling hills and lush forests. The camps are
mobile, and each team (consisting of three doctors,
one pharmacist, and one nursing assistant) visits
four locations during a single day. |
The indigenous people are very poor. At each location
about 300 patients attend; some walk great distances,
and arrive full of hope for immediate hospital treatment.
Eight specialists offer services and medicines free,
including blood and urine tests, ultrasonography and
ECG. If necessary patients are sent to AIMS for further
treatment. In an effort to prevent communicable diseases,
health education is also given. Nutritional supplements
and clothing are gathered at AIMS and distributed during
the camp.
Consultations, medicines and treatment are provided
for free. Poor people who need surgery, usually cataract
operations, are given free operations. The usual cost
is Rs 3000 - 4000 for an operation involving a two
day stay in AIMS, and this is much cheaper than normal
private hospitals. The local ashram and devotees of
Amma help to transport the people to AIMS.
Medical professionals provide health education in
an effort to prevent communicable diseases and for
the early detection of common disorders such as hypertension,
diabetes, cataracts, and heart disease. Nutritional
supplements and clothing are gathered at the hospital
and distributed during each camp.
Dr. Mohan, an eminent eye specialist, says, "Amma
is our inspiration. She says, 'Look after your
families, and reach out and help others. This
will give meaning to your life.' It's true. Through
this camp, Amma has brought meaning to our lives."
At Left: Dr. Mohan with Kausalya, aged 70, who
needed medicines and glasses. The camp was her
only resort. |
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Neurology Camps
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At its camps, the Neurology Department is
offering three major medical services: the treatment
of headache disorders, epilepsy, and movement
disorders following strokes and neuromuscular
diseases.
Epilepsy has the highest incidence of all the
neurological disorders. AIMS doctors have found
that 80% of epileptic patients can be treated
with medicines, while an additional 10% can be
treated by surgical means. |
The Neurology camps aim to both treat the suffering
as well as raise awareness about epilepsy among the
community at large. AIMS is only the second centre
in Kerala to offer such a service. The goal is to establish
at least two permanent outreach bases at Amma’s
ashram in North Kerala. From there doctors, nurses
and equipment will be available to diagnose patients.
Medical social workers will also be available to counsel
pregnant, epileptic women about the effect of anti-epileptic
drugs on the foetus.
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Vision & Mission 
Camps
