Dubai, 4 July, 2020: DM Education and Research Foundation (DMERF) is considering the handover of DM WIMS Medical College, Nursing and Pharmacy Colleges and its associated institutions over to the Government of Kerala and would be undertaking further discussions to agree upon the terms and conditions of the handover.

The Government of Kerala had been deliberating to set-up a medical college in the area over the last 7 to 8 years to address the challenges being faced by the local population due to lack of local availability of advanced healthcare facilities under the government sector. With two batches of MBBS graduates having passed from the institution, the handover by DMERF would address the Government need. DM WIMS is one of the few NABH accredited medical colleges in the country. 

The DM WIMS Medical College and its associated institutions in Wayanad was established by DMERF Trust 10 years ago as a response to help the backward community of the district. Run in a charitable manner, the medical college has a capacity of 150 seats and has seen two batches of doctors graduate from the institution with excellent results in KUHAS exams. With a total built up area of 14 lakh square feet, it also has a 700 bed super-specialty hospital catering to the local community and helping in training healthcare professionals, a 100-bed specialty hospital, a pharmacy college and a nursing college.

“Over the years, DMWIMS Medical college and its associated institutions have been able to make a significant contribution towards managing the healthcare needs of the 10 lakh population of the district which has limitations in terms of social infrastructure and hilly terrain. Another new medical college by Government would require substantial investments and minimum another 5 years to be functional. We think that DM WIMS can cater to the requirement by Government and   and setting up of another medical collegemight not be required to cater to the existing population. We think that it is important that we join hands with the Government in providing support to the needy local population.  I am happy to announce that we shall donate Rs 250 Crores out of the total investment in the institutions to the government to provide treatment to the needy population in the backward, land locked district and to train good quality doctors from the state. I am thankful to the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Smt. K K Shailaja Teacher for their prompt response to the proposal and setting up a committee to review the details. We would also request the Government to continue with the current staff who have been associated with the institutions for many years and have contributed to its success,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Managing Trustee, DMERF.

Dr U T Ifthikar, Syndicate Member, RGUHS also lauded the move and added that he was very proud of the Dr. Moopen for coming up with such a proposal that will help people.

Dr. Moopen has earmarked 20% of his personal wealth for philanthropic efforts and which is being done through the family trust. DMERF had established the institutions without a profit motive and with the main intention of providing access to quality care to the needy population of Wayanad and imparting medical education to deserving students. Over the years, these institutions have played a significant role in improving access to quality care even to the remotest parts of the hilly terrain. The Aster Volunteers program by Aster DM Healthcare recently handed over 100 Aster Homes to the people affected by the floods recently and is building another 150 Aster Homes now. Aster Volunteers and the Family Trust are involved in several philanthropic activities across 7 countries, through several healthcare and humanitarian interventions. Currently, the institutions are actively working to help the population cope-up with the Covid-19 pandemic.

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New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka's tableau in the 76th Republic-Day parade here on Sunday depicted the exquisite and artistic temples of the historic city of Lakkundi.

Located in Gadag district of Karnataka, about 70 km from Hubballi, Lakkundi is called the "Cradle of Stone Craft" for its stunning stone architecture.

The front part of the tableau that rolled down Kartavya Path had the Brahma statue from the Brahma Jinalaya temple, the oldest Jain shrine in Lakkundi dedicated to Lord Mahaveera.

It was followed by the open-pillared mantapa of the Brahma Jinalaya temple.

The main section of the tableau had on display the grand and ornate Kashi Vishweshwara temple and Nanneshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temples of Lakkundi reflect the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka and celebrate all faiths and religions. The southern state has always been a "SarvaJanangadaShaanthiya Thota", a quintessential garden of peace.

Lakkundi is home to beautiful temples, stepwells and inscriptions from the Chalukya dynasty.

Besides being a cultural powerhouse, Lakkundi was a large thriving city and a commercial hub between the 10th and 12th century AD.

The city was ruled by several dynasties but the most important of them were the Chalukyas.

Lakkundi is a paradise for antiquarians and architecture enthusiasts. It has 50 temples, most of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, 101 stepwells and 29 inscriptions.

It is an epitome of the Kalyani Chalukyas' excellence in art, culture and architecture.