Aster Hospitals to provide 1500 free MRI, CT scans to underprivileged people in K'taka in one year
Bengaluru (Press Release): In an effort to make quality healthcare accessible to the underprivileged people in the state, Aster Hospitals, Bangalore has announced to provide around 1500 free MRI and CT Scans for the needy in Karnataka for the next 1 year. The free medical investigations are being offered as part of Aster DM Healthcare’s 34th Foundation Day, under which the healthcare group has committed to provide 10,000 free medical investigations to the underprivileged people across India and GCC.
As a part of this initiative, Aster Hospitals Bangalore has also collaborated with four hospitals namely General Hospital Yelahanka, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Nelamangala in North Bangalore and three hospitals namely Sri Krishna Seva Ashrama, Sevakshetra Hospital and RV Institutes in South Bangalore and will provide free MRI and CT Scans to the underprivileged patients referred from these hospitals. The initiative will be run by Aster Volunteers, the CSR arm of the organization, and aims to tackle the immediate need for diagnosis and accurate treatment faced by many patients, underprivileged or under financial distress.
According to many healthcare experts, MRI and CT scans are some of the most expensive diagnostic tests due which several economically weaker patients are unable to afford them and are not able to get access to the much-needed medical investigations. This often leads to late diagnosis among such patients and further results increased disease burden and serious complications among them. With this initiative, Aster Hospitals Bangalore aims to help such patients with proper diagnosis and accurate treatment by providing high end investigations free of cost through Aster Volunteers.
Appreciating the initiative Dr. Manjula Devi, District Health Officer, Bangalore Rural district, Devanahalli, said, “We appreciate the Aster Hospitals, Bangalore for undertaking this initiative to support society by providing free MRIs and CT Scans to needy patients as part of their social endeavour. The Covid 19 pandemic has revealed the critical importance of accurate testing and reporting, something that has been advocated for multiple areas of public health. Early detection of diseases can enable early treatment and favourable outcomes. This initiative by Aster Hospitals will help many poor people who were unable to undergo testing due to its affordability and were deprived of the much needed timely medical attention.”
“MRIs and CT Scans are some of the expensive diagnostic tests that can incur a huge burden for the underprivileged. Because of their poor economic and financial background, many people are unable to afford these essential tests. We are glad to be part of this remarkable service and thank Aster Hospitals, Bangalore for this noble initiative which will help many needy patients now with high end investigations free of cost and this will help in timely treatment too. We hope that other private hospitals also come forward to help the underprivileged people get access to proper diagnosis,” said Mr. AVS Murthy, Hon. Secretary, Rashtriya Sikshana Samithi Trust.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. S Ramesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, said: “We have launched this initiative as our service to the humanity and is our earnest effort to help the underprivileged people get access to much needed medical attention and proper diagnosis. Our group has always believed in treating people with utmost dignity and has always valued their contributions. Therefore, with this initiative we believe that we will be able to serve all sections of the society to the best of our capacity and will be able to offer support to those who are in need for healthcare services.”
Sharing his thoughts on the launch of the initiative, Dr. Prashanth N, Chief Operating Officer, Aster RV Hospital, said: “Accessibility to healthcare services is a very important focus area for our group and through such initiatives we are aiming to bridge the gap between the healthcare services and the people. Under our new initiative, patients can choose for treatment by their doctor as per their requirement and are not required to visit the hospital after undergoing diagnostic scans. The service is open only to people below poverty line and the patients will have to approach the hospital with prescription for scans issued by a registered medical practitioner (allopathy) along with documents as proof of their income.”
Detailed list of the medical investigations has been provided by Aster Hospitals, Bangalore on the Aster Freein website along with the details of the application process. Any needy patient seeking to avail an investigation can reach out to the respective facility in Bangalore and also apply on the website, along with supporting documents. At the same time, needy patients can be referred by doctors (internal & external), NGOs, support groups, medical colleges/ authorities to the nearest Aster unit offering the free investigation.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
