Media Release
Udupi, Jul 20: In an exemplary work of humanity, Home Doctor Foundation has collected Rs 20 lac in just 22 days and handed it over to the treatment of a 15-year-old boy suffering from aplastic anaemia at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
A 15-year-old boy suffering from aplastic anaemia required a bone marrow transplant, the only viable treatment, costing approximately Rs 20 lac. The doctors at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, informed that the boy's family, being economically disadvantaged, found it challenging to bear the expenses.
In this dire situation, the team of treating doctors, led by Dr Vasudev Bhat, head of the paediatric haematology and oncology division, approached Dr Shashikiran Shetty of the Home Doctor Foundation for assistance.
Dr Shashikiran Shetty, along with the foundation's members and donors, successfully raised Rs 20 lac in 22 days and handed over the amount to the boy’s family. A ceremony for the fund transfer and well-wishing event was held in collaboration with Kasturba Hospital at the women and children's division auditorium on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shashikiran Shetty said, "We have already helped many needy and underprivileged individuals with smaller amounts. This is the first time we have successfully raised such a large sum." He thanked everyone who contributed, regardless of the amount.
Dr Naveen Salins, associate dean of KMC Manipal, praised the selfless service of the Home Doctor Foundation. "This is a model for the entire society. More donors and organizations should come forward to support the treatment of underprivileged children," he said.
Dr Vasudev Bhat, the treating doctor, remarked, "Except for Bengaluru, Kasturba Hospital in Manipal is the only hospital in Karnataka performing paediatric bone marrow transplants."
The event also recognized the selfless donors who contributed to the fundraising. Dr Shashikiran Shetty was felicitated on behalf of the hospital.
The event was attended by assistant doctors, members of the Home Doctor Foundation, journalist Janardhan Kodavoor, Mohan Shetty, and other donors.