Media Release
Udupi, Feb 7: "The Sahayoga: Comprehensive Care for Children" with Type 1 Diabetes initiative was officially launched on February 7 at MAHE Manipal. The programme, led by the Department of Paediatrics at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and supported by the Manipal Foundation, aims to address the critical need for affordable care for children diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM).
Dr. Ranjan R Pai, chairman of MEMG and president of the MAHE Trust, launched the initiative and handed over the first care kit to Dr Leslie Edward S Lewis, professor and head of the department of Paediatrics, Dr Sahana Shetty, professor and head of the department of Endocrinology, and Dr Koushik Urala H, paediatric endocrinologist and associate professor in the Department of Paediatrics.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh VSM (retd), vice-chancellor of MAHE Manipal, and Dr Harinarayan Sharma, CEO of the Manipal Foundation.
The Sahayoga initiative, funded by the Manipal Foundation, provides high-quality insulin, insulin pens, glucometers, glucose testing strips, and other necessary treatments to economically disadvantaged children at minimal costs. By offering affordable care, the programme ensures these children receive vital medical attention. In addition, Sahayoga aims to unite all stakeholders in childhood diabetes care—families, teachers, specialists, and educators—on a single platform to work collaboratively toward the best outcomes for children with T1DM.
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE, emphasised the importance of providing quality healthcare to underprivileged children. He stated that Sahayoga reflects MAHE’s commitment to promoting community health and ensuring that all children with chronic health conditions like T1DM have access to the necessary medical resources.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh VSM (Retd), vice-chancellor of MAHE, also spoke at the event, highlighting how the initiative strengthens the university’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and foster collaborations that benefit society. He mentioned that MAHE’s focus is not only on education but also on serving the broader community, especially children who require specialised care.
Dr Venkatesh further highlighted that this funding and initiative will benefit all eligible paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes across teaching hospitals under MAHE, Manipal, ensuring comprehensive care and support for children in need.
Dr Harinarayan Sharma, CEO of Manipal Foundation, spoke about the foundation's role in funding this initiative and their continued dedication to improving the health of underserved populations. He commended the efforts of the entire team in bringing Sahayoga to life.
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro- vice-chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, MAHE, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean, KMC, Manipal, Dr Anand Venugopal, COO Teaching Hospital, MAHE Manipal, and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent were present.
This initiative reflects Kasturba Hospital’s ongoing dedication to providing high-quality healthcare, especially for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and marks a significant step towards addressing the growing challenge of childhood diabetes in India.