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| Dr.Francis Alappat, Director, Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur |
In 1979, as a student of MBBS at Medical College, Kozhikode, Dr.Francis Alappat had organized the first blood donors’ forum in Kerala. The spark of compassionate activities, which were sown in his student days, found a wider canvas when he became the director of Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur. Thus three years ago, he proposed to start a free dialysis scheme for all the patients in the hospital.
He first shared the idea with his guru Fr.George Akkara, the priest at the Kottekkad Church. Fr.Akkara then proposed to the laity that they conduct the annual festival of the church in an austere manner and donate the balance amount to the free dialysis scheme the hospital. Although there was initial disbelief and discontent, it soon gave way to better understanding and an amount of Rs.31800 required for 53 dialysis was collected and donated to the hospital.
That was the beginning. Dr. Alappat does not tire of telling the believers that compassion is the hallmark of spiritual life. To those who invite him to baptism or wedding functions, he insists on the merit of keeping aside an amount for the free dialysis scheme. He has been able to find sponsors for the scheme atleast for a few days in a month
Now on an average, the hospital is able to provide free dialysis on 36 days. He prays for and dreams of making it to 365 days.
Courtesy:
J.S.Manoj (text), V.K.Aji (text), Mathrubhumi, July 27, 2008
Contributed by: Administrator
