Dear Readers,

The Editor

Insi

de

th

is i

ssue

…. Charity Chancellors

An accolade to Home Guards

Doing good in the world

Successful Completion of Cleft Surgeries

Appeal News

Free space by Chennai Trade Centre

Upcoming Event

Operation India 20/20

Won't you help?

Your Side

Success Stories

FCC- a small anecdote

Telecare- Latest Technology Trends

Fundraising Course

A passion for Saving Lives

Guiding Stars Light the Way

Quarterly Donors-Honour Roll List

Inpatient Treatment

Outpatient Treatment

Cleft Lip/Palate Surgeries

Food to Poor Patients

Medical Camps

Family Planning Surgeries

TB Treatment

3252

29096

231

12965

134

40

595

More than 25 years ago, our Hospital was founded to meet

an obvious need. That need was a modern hospital to care

for people locally so they didn't have to travel far from

home. Then later, Meenakshi Mission Hospital continues

to meet that need.

As it was in 1985, our Hospital remains a private, not-for-

profit charitable hospital. Our chairman believed this was

the best way to promote high quality treatment with

affordable or free cost that suits every person in the

community.. It's important too that Meenakshi Mission

Hospital remains locally owned and locally managed. This

is all good news for our patients, this community, and the

2,500 more employees who work here. And it should help

to ensure that the hospital will be here 25 years of services

from now.

We hope you enjoy the summer edition of the News. There

are plenty of fun and energetic activities - a function to

encourage home guards, observation of anti drugs day,

completion of 6000 cleft surgeries, recognizing the blood

donors and much more to come… you'll read in this

issue….

Despite many challenges, we are very positive about the

rest of 2011 and continue to be impressed by the efforts of

our many wonderful supporters like you.

aH ppy reading!

JOURNEYMay 2011 Journey 9

A Newsletter of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre

Quarterly Newsletter

Family Counselling Services

HIV Counseling & Testing

Children Cancer Treatment

Dialysis

Cataract Surgeries

Blood Units Distributed

Palliative Care

31

1270

34

212

76

135

344

Says Dr. N. SethuramanFounder Chairman of our hospital

Vision: Mission: Values : No man is too poor to afford first grade medical treatment World class care within everybody's reach Care Compassion Commitment Charity Empathy Quality Service

FREE SERVICES

“... the health of a community depends heavily on its largest healthcare entity – its hospital.”

Quarterly Highlights…Quarterly

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Mrs. Vimala Lal New Delhi

Mr. Ajay Agarwal Chennai

Students of M/s. M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women Chennai

Mr. Suresh Chennai

Dr. Radha Lal & Jawahar Lal USA

Ms. Erin Reynolds USA

M/s. Tata Consultancy Services Chennai

Mr. Ashok Kumar Chennai

M/s. Royal Splendour Developers Pvt Ltd Chennai

Mr. Govindaraj Coimbatore

M/s. Food Ingredient Specialized Ind Pvt Ltd Chennai

Mr. M.R. Lakshmi Narasimhan Kanchipuram

Mr. CSM. Rajesh Kumar Chennai

Mr. Prabu Chennai

Mr. R. Mahalingam Chennai

Mr. S. Jegadeesan Madurai

M/s. TECPRO Systems Ltd Chennai

Mr. Siddharth & Mrs. Kavitha Siddharth USA

Mr. Krishnan Chennai

Mr. Srikanth Srinivasan Chennai

Mr. J. Govardhanan Chennai

Mr. Mohansundar Lakshmanan Chennai

Mr. T. Kamesh Vellore

Mr. Maria Zeena Johnson Chennai

M/s. Equiniti ICS India Pvt Ltd Chennai

Mr. Y. Radhakrishnan Murthy Chennai

Mr. Chetan B Jain Chennai

Ms. A. Lucy Prema Chennai

Mr. Vijay Viswanathan Chennai

Mr. N. Bharath Chennai

Mr. Ramakrishnan Chennai

Mr. J. Ramanan Chennai

Mr. T. Muthuraj Chennai

Mr. T. Anbulingom Chennai

M/s. Jewel Crafts, Chennai

M/s. IDDPL Kai Koduppom Anbudan Chennai

Mr. B.S. Arvind Chennai

M/s. Pothys Clothing Pvt Ltd Chennai

Mr. U. Parameswaran Chennai

Mr. Karuppasamy Thuthukudi

Mr. Ramanujam Murali Chennai

Mr. M. Hariharan Trichy

Mr. Pradeep Chennai

M/s. Crown Construction Chennai

` 11,00,000

` 1,50,000

` 1,50,000

` 1,00,000

` 1,00,000

` 90,300

` 63,725

` 27,000

` 25,000

` 25,000

` 25,000

` 25,000

` 25000

` 25,000

` 24,000

` 22,000

` 21,000

` 20,000

` 15,118

` 15,000

` 15,000

` 15,000

` 14,500

` 12,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000Qu

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Charity Chancellors

CAMILLA CHILDREN CANCER FUND

This page is dedicated for those who have donated 10,000 and above.`

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Charity ChancellorsThis page is dedicated for those who have donated and above` 10,000

Mr. S. Kalai Thambi Chennai

Mrs. Lavanya Rajagopalan Chennai

Mr. G. Manoharan Chennai

Mr. R. Parthasarathy Chennai

Mr. D. Radha Mohan Chennai

Mr. Sabarish Ramanlal Chennai

Mr. D. Samuel Surendran Chennai

Mr. Saravana Kumar Chennai

Mr. S. Veera Raghavan Chennai

Mr. P. Vivek Chennai

Mr. Ramalingam Chennai

Mr. Robert Stantish Chennai

Ms. Shanthi Chennai

Mr. R. Seshadri Chennai

M/s. Runjith Water Suppliers Chennai

Mr. Santosh Salem

Mr. Parthasarathy Chennai

Mr. P. Vadiraja Upadhaya Chennai

Mr. K.R. Vijayan Chennai

Mr. P. Sivakumar Chennai

M/s. Jagannath Textiles Company Ltd Coimbatore

Mr. Aashish Agarwal Chennai

Mrs. Anitha Mathankumar Thoothukudi

Mr. S. Parthasarathy Virudhunagar

Mr. Babu Madurai

Dr. Sundar Jayabose USA

Dr. S. Lakshmi MMHRC, Madurai

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

FREE MEALS SCHEMEDr. Radha Lal & Jawahar Lal USA

Mr. G.B. Arunkumar Madurai

Mr. Vijaya Kumar Madurai

Dr. Sampath Kumar MMHRC, Madurai

Mr. S. Pandiyarajan Tiruchirapalli

Mrs. Uma Chandra Mouli Sivagangai

Mr. M. Vijayaraman Usilampatti

M/s. Shri Nataraj Ceramic and Chemical Industries Tiruchirapalli

Mr.M.S. Rajamanickam Chennai

Mr. V.R.R. Ramalingam Madurai

Mr. K. Mayandi Thevar (Late) Thirunelveli

Mr. K. Damotharan Madurai

Ln. Er. A. Shanmuga Sundaram Trustee, MMHRC, Madurai

` 1,00,000

` 85,000

` 20,005

` 20,000

` 20,000

` 20,000

` 20,000

` 12,800

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

` 10,000

SAVE THE LITTLE HEARTSMr. V. Senthil Kumar Chennai ` 10,000

` 1,82,580 received from Prime Minister Relief Fund towards free treatment for the poor and the needy.

`

for the poor patients.1,75,000 received from Tamil Nadu Illness Society towards free medical treatment

`

treatment to 4 children.1,37,609 received through Dinamalar free advertisement for providing free medical

` 1,00,000 donated by for 4 patients.

Shirdi Sai Trust, Chennai towards providing free medical treatment

`

Family Welfare Department, Chennai. 46,500 received as family planning grant from Tamil Nadu Health and

` 50,000 donated by for 1 patient.

Raja Charity Trust, Rajapalayam towards free cancer treatment

` 2,500 donated by Chennai for free cancer treatment.

Rajam Ammal and Savithiri Ammal Memorial Charitable Trust,

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Can we em ?a ui ol yt h oi ts rn ee tw teslQuite a few of our supporters have already asked us to

send this newsletter to them by email rather than in the

post. If you have an email address and would prefer us to

contact you in this way to save on costs for printing and

posting and help the environment, please send an email

to communicationsrd@gmail.com giving us your name

and address and permission to send you a newsletter via

email and we'll take it from there.

Health funds

The Smile Train, USA has sanctioned 52,04,000 towards providing free quality corrective cleft lip/palate surgeries.

`

The District TB Centre, Madurai has 1,50,000 towards Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) for providing free TB treatment.

sanctioned `

The Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board, Chennai has 2,88,000 towards Family Counselling Centre at our hospital.

sanctioned `

The Vitamin Angels Alliance, USA has donated 4,00,000 worth of Vitamin A capsules and Albendizole tablets for 2 lakhs of children.

`

The Direct Relief International (DRI), USA has donated 4,35,00,000 worth of medicines, medical equipments and consumables for the poor and needy persons.

`

The Americares India, Mumbai has donated 5,85,000 worth of medicines to the poor and needy persons.

`

Our Project PartnersOur Partners Project

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In recognizing the services of home guards, our hospital organized a function as

a token of honouring the best services by them to the mankind.

In today's busy world, eventhough we have reached many destinations, poverty

and corruption stands to be the number one hurdle affecting India's growth &

development. Home Guards have a vital role in eliminating such problems out

of the society and create a better India with prospective growth &

development.

Through this function, our hospital as a first

initiative made a landmark by curtailing

corruption & poverty with the concept of home

guards at various states of India.

In this function, Mr. Raja Govindasamy, the Director of Mannar Thirumalai Nayakar College,

Mr. Karmegamani, Director of Solaimalai Groups, Mr. Venkatesh, Area Commander, Home Guards,

Mr. Mahendravel, Director of Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank, Mrs. Rajakumari, Chairman, Chamber of

Commerce Women's Forum and Dr. N. Sethuraman, Founder Chairman participated and accoladed the

services of home guards.

More than 400 home guards from Madurai Jurisdiction participated in the program.

An Accolade to Home Guards

THE FUTUREVISION PLANThe future belongs

to those who believe in the

beauty of their dreams.

THE FUTUREVISION PLAN

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Blood donation and savings one's life is worth sharing!

This satisfaction is one of life's greatest rewards.”

“Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. Your blood helps more than one life at a time. Accident victims,

premature babies, patients undergoing major surgeries require whole blood, where your blood after

testing is used directly. Patients suffering from trauma, anaemia and other surgeries require only red blood

cells, which is separated from your blood”

Why Donate Blood?

Blood is the living fluid that all life is based on. Blood is composed of 60% liquid part and 40% solid part. The liquid

part called Plasma, made up of 90% water and 10% nutrients, hormones, etc. is easily replenished by food,

medicines, etc. But the solid part that contains RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells) and Platelets take

valuable time to be replaced if lost.

This is where you come in. The time taken by a patient's body to replace it could cost his/her life. Sometimes the

body might not be in a condition to replace it at all.

As you know blood cannot be harvested it can only be donated. This means only you can save a life that needs

blood.

Every year, India requires 4 crore units of 250cc blood out of which only a meager 5 lakhs of blood units are

available.

We thank the following organizations who have voluntarily donated blood for various live saving mission!

DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD

“Service above Self means helping people we may never meet

in a place that we may never visit . . . so we must be content with

the satisfaction that we have done good, that we have affected

the lives of thousands of human beings who suffered from

hunger, disease, ignorance and the ravages of war.

M/s. Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil

M/s. Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Ramnad

M/s. R.L. Institute of Nautical Sciences, Madurai

M/s. Dhanapandiyan Polytechnic College, Madurai

M/s. K.L.N. Polytechnic College, Madurai

M/s. Parvathy Arts College, Dindigul

M/s. Raja College of Engineering & Technology, Madurai

M/s. Subbulakshmi Lakshmipathy College, TVR Nagar, Madurai

M/s. Rotary Club Palani Andavar Polytechnic, Madurai

M/s. S.V.N. College, Madurai

M/s. Yadava College, Madurai

M/s. S.S.A. College, Devakottai

M/s. Govt. Law College, Madurai

M/s. Nethaji National Association, Madurai

M/s. Mangayarkarasi Women College, Paravai, Madurai

(

(338 units)

(290 units)

(220 units)

(176 units)

(136 units)

(128 units)

(127 units)

(117 units)

(109 units)

(109 units)

(100 units)

(92 units)

(83 units)

(78 units)

800 units)

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Saving a life does not require heroic deeds.

You could just do it with a small thought and

an even smaller effort by saying

Contact : Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre Regional Blood Transfusion Centre @ 91-452-426 3000 Extension : 3014.

"yes".

Do you want to donate blood?

Dissemination of our services at Education

Stall organized by Indian Express where

our hospital has been provided a stall to

display our educational activities to the

students and general public.

H o n o u r a b l e M a d u r a i C o l l e c t o r

Mr. Sagayam Inaugurated the program.

Various schools and colleges participated

in the program

Educational Outreach!

Educational Outreach!

M/s. Sermathai Vasan Women College, Madurai

M/s. Airtel Zonal Office, Madurai

M/s. S.N. College, Perungudi

M/s. St. Michael College of Engineering & Technology, Kalaiyarkoil

M/s. All India Congress Party, Madurai

M/s. Mahatma Montessori School, Madurai

M/s. AIADMK, Solavandan Region

M/s. CPA College, Bodi

M/s. Sivakasi Nadar Women College, Madurai

M/s. S.S.V.K Trust, Maravar Savadi, Madurai

M/s. Hotel Germanus, Madurai

M/s. Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, Madurai

M/s. Thirumuruga Iyappa Seva Sangam, Madurai

M/s. ASSEFA College of B.Ed, Madurai

M/s. Raja College of Paramedical Science, Srivilliputhur

M/s. T.E.L.C ITI, Dindigul

M/s. Mahasemam (Head Office), Madurai

M/s. Aircel Office, Madurai

M/s. Indian Oil Corporation, Madurai

M/s. St. Mary's School, Madurai

M/s. Lafarhge Aggregates & Concrete, Madurai

M/s. Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Party, Madurai

M/s. AIADMK, Madurai City

M/s. Senthamil College, Madurai

M/s. Electricity Members Association, Madurai

M/s. India Nadar Ilaignar Peravai, Madurai

M/s. Lions Club of Madurai Vaigai

(72 units)

(68 units)

(67 units)

(67 units)

(59 units)

(58 units)

(57 units)

(48 units)

(48 units)

(45 units)

(36 units)

(33 units)

(33 units)

(33 units)

(29 units)

(26 units)

(25 units)

(25 units)

(25 units)

(20 units)

(17 units)

(16 units)

(16 units)

(16 units)

(15 units)

(14 units)

(11 units)

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We have forever changed the lives in

Since 2003, the Smile Train USA, our valuable

partner has helped us perform 6000 more cleft

lip/palate surgeries free of cost…

just 45 minutes!

SmileTrainChanging The World One Smile At A Time.SmileTrainChanging The World One Smile At A Time.

You can also be part of this mission…

We have got

our back!

Thank you so much….

smiles

If you come across any children or person

with cleft lip/palate nearby your area,

kindly refer them to:

Meenakshi Mission Hospital

Regional Smile Train Centre Phone : 91-452-426 3000,

Extn : 3266/3332/3379

Now, we are celebrating

6000 smiles with hope

& happiness!

just 45 minutes!

Free quality corrective

cleft surgeries at one

destination

Appeal News!Fundraising effor ts benefit poor dialysis patients too!

Our hospital has been striving hard to help poor patients to undergo

dialysis. With such donors, we were able to give up smiles to many

families at dialysis centre at Meenakshi Mission Hospital.

Since 2 years, we have raised more than ` 3,50,000 for patients

receiving haemodialysis treatment. Patients undergoing dialysis on

the unit, often receive treatment three times a week, for upto four

hours at a time.

“The patients cared for on the haemodialysis unit often have life

limiting problems and are required to spend a large proportion of their

time in hospital undergoing treatment or dialysis.

We thank the generosity of people who have been able to provide life

to enhance the experience that these patients have whilst in hospital.”

Our Resource and Development Unit continue to raise funds to create

an environment which exceeds the expectations of patients and

visitors.

Eternal life evolves from instilling a

thought, an idea or tradition in another

human being so that it continues....

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Total Raised So Far

A big thank you to allour supporters. With your

help we can reach ourtarget

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0

Free Space at Trade Centre, Chennai!Our hospital enjoys the privilege of having free

space in Trade Centre, Chennai in the events of CII

(Confederation of Indian Industries) to display the

Telemedicine centre and demonstrate its process.

We displayed the Telemedicine process two times

at the Trade Centre, Chennai without paying any

rent and amenity charges. We explained all about

telecare activities in industrial context and

demonstrated for the CEOs of corporate houses

and officials.

During the display, we could able to treat those

Run or Walk, There's something for everybody!thWe are observing International Anti - Drugs Day on 26 June 2011 in collaboration with schools and colleges from

Madurai district. A marathon with 30 minutes walk or run will be organized from Meenakshi Mission Hospital to

Madurai Collector Office full of fun. This is a great opportunity to participate in a societal event by saying NO TO

DRUGS and as a part of physical fitness too!

Just know it?ts Su aJ y

NO!

Drug is the perfect killer of the society.

When is International Anti - Drugs Day celebrated?th

According to the UN general Assembly, 26 June is declared as the day to be

celebrated as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Initiation of International Anti - Drugs Day

!yllar eCo htm n e i suj noi

…SUGRD . OT ON YAS s'teL

Run or Walk, There's something for everybody!

It was first on 1987, when UN general Assembly proclaimed that day for

celebration. Why International Anti - Drugs Day is celebrated? It is the

celebration of keeping much stronger resolution for making world against the

drug addiction and taking the oath of converting international society free of

drug abuse.

delegates who are in need of treatment during their visit to exhibition and conference.

The visitors also recommended Telemedicine centre at their premises. We are discussing with interested business

houses to establish Telemedicine centres in their premises so as to provide medical care vide Telemedicine

gadgets.

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Operation India 20/20 Blindness Control Program in India

Operation India 20/20

Miss. Zoe Howard, Daughter of

President, Vitamin Angels Alliance USA visited India and

observed the distribution in person

Mr. Howard B Schiffer, The Founder and

Mr. Howard B Schiffer, The Founder and President, Vitamin Angels

Alliance USA training the NGO worker about the administration of Vitamin A

ince 2006, our hospital has been implementing

Blindness Control Program in India with the Ssupport of Vitamin Angels Alliance, USA.

Vitamin Angels implements blindness control program

by the name Operation India 20/20.

Under this program, the children at remote villages

who are suffering with vitamin A deficiencies are

distributed vitamin supplements. Along with the

vitamin distribution, the children are also given

medicine for worms.

In addition to the preventive services, the children and their

parents are given awareness on the importance of Vitamin

A, and the harmful effect of worms in children.

Personal meeting with beneficiaries, distribution of

handouts and posters are used to educate the target

beneficiaries.

More than 20 Non-Governmental organizations are

collaborating with us in the blindness control program.

The programs are implemented under the able leadership

of Mr. Howard B Schiffer, the Founder and President,

Vitamin Angels Alliance, USA.

The Regional office of Vitamin Angels at Mumbai is looking

after the program implementation at northern parts of

Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Shilpa Bhatte, Consultant, Vitamin Angels Alliance India

is extending her expertise in the administration of vitamin

supplements and de-worming.

Under this program 2 million children from Kanyakumari to Kashmir are receiving the benefits.

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The beneficiaries are waiting to get Vitamin A along with de-worming tablets

Initiation of Operation 20/20 in West Bengal

Distribution of Vitamin A at Thirumohur Panchayat Union School,

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

In addition to the

blindness control program,

to enhance the health of

young mothers and adolescents

with safe nutrients,

Vitamin Angels has also

provided Pre-natal and

Post-natal vitamin mineral

supplements for 0.3 million

women in India.

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We thank Mr. Gopi of Thiruveni Groups, Kanyakumari District for his support in placing charity boxes at various destinations in and around Kanyakumari.

Largest contribution is made from his group regularly.

On behalf of our team, we grately thank him for his dedicated services all through these years.

Good health stands to be one of the pillars in building healthy communities. Health care is the basic need shared

by all.

But still, many villages lack basic health amenities which affects children drastically. By making health care

accessible to such deserving children, we believe that small things can make biggest difference in their life and by

saving millions of children in India.

On their behalf,

Won't You Help?"Building healthy communities"

Help us "Reach the Unreached" by making a gift today by building healthy communities in each village.

Join the campaign!An envelope is provided for your convenience.

Remember, 100% of your gift will go to providing

direct health care services to children in need.

For more informationplease contact us @

91-452-4219292 / 4219393 or charitymeenakshimission@gmail.com

thank you for caring!

Move in for kids' Workoutsit's been well publicized that children should get 60minutes of physical

activity each day. But as the days get shorter and the air gets colder, many

parents are left wondering how this is possible during the long winter

months. Moving kid-friendly physical activity indoors can be challenging,

but it's not impossible. So take your child for 60 minutes walk, cycling or

jogging early morning, you can involve them in swimming activities,

entertain the children at home by showing them exercise, yoga and aerobics

through DVDs, and one of the easiest ways to get your kids moving is to turn

some upbeat music and let them create their own dance moves. Although

summer can be very challenging for kids to be active without any fatigue,

with a little research and creativity, it's a great time to introduce new

activities and enjoy those hot days.

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Want to Stay Healthy? Wash Your Hands!In this day and age of hundred medications and remedies available for what

ails you, it's pretty incredible to think there is one simple thing that may help us

avoid becoming ill in the first place ... hand washing! This time of year, as colds

and the flu abound, remember, hand washing is one of the best precautions

against these illnesses. “Don't limit hand washing to traditional times, such as

before meals or after using the bathroom”. Viruses can be found anywhere

from shopping carts to railings and everywhere in-between. All one has to do is

touch one of these surfaces where a live virus lives and illness can follow

shortly behind. This is why frequent hand washing is so important.”

Hands should be washed after the following activities…

After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms

After using the toilet

After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking

After handling soiled equipment or utensils

After food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross-contamination when changing tasks After switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food

After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands

After handling or touching pets.

Steps to proper hand washing

Use soap and warm running water.

Hands should be rubbed vigorously during washing for at least 20 seconds with special attention paid to the backs of the hands, wrists, between the fingers and under the fingernails.

Hands should be rinsed well while leaving the water running.

With the water running, hands should be dried with a single-use towel or an electric air dryer in public restrooms.

Turn off the water using a paper towel if possible, covering washed hands to prevent re-contamination.

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Volunteer – a gift to the community!Mr. Johannes Asanger, German, a volunteer from

Projects Abroad served at our hospital for more

than a month at various hospital destinations.

Being a graduate in Gymnasium with Media &

Information Science, he shared his support &

expertise towards us in various welfare cum

charity activities of the hospital.

We thank you so much for being with us!

Volunteer – a gift to the community!

Success Stories begin at our hospital

Immanuel's cancer is in Remission – Thanks to Camila Children Cancer Care When Immanuel was 2 year old, his parents, Mr. Punithan, an auto-driver and Mrs. Rebecca, living in a rental house, at Madakulam, an extension area of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India noticed he had frequent fever and bleeding in tooth ridges.

thOn 8 December 2009, a blood test revealed that Immanuel's iron count in blood was dangerously low, the results were startling to his family - Immanuel had leukemia.

“That was the worst day of our lives,” said Punithan. “We were devastated. The day they told us, I couldn't hear, I Couldn't see – I just shut down.

Immanuel's leukemia had not yet spread to his bloodstream or vital organs, but was “hiding” in his spine, which is why it had been undetected – until Immanuel arrived at our Paediatric Oncology centre in our hospital.

After being diagnosed, Immanuel underwent almost one years of aggressive chemotherapy in the in/out patient cancer clinic. Some weeks, he received chemo four days in a row, and his treatments lasted up to eight hours at a stretch.

Today, Immanuel's cancer is in emission and he has completed all of his chemo cycles and moved to the final stage of his treatment, in which he will come to the hospital once in a month for his periodical check up for 2 years until he is 5 years old.

His parents are thankful to every donor who helped their son's treatment.

While season change, our hospital's commitment to our community is constant, year in and year out.

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A small anecdoteFamily Counselling Centre….The stresses of daily life can be challenging—raising your kids, finding

work, balancing work and family life, managing money, maintaining a

good place for you and your family to live. These challenges can

sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when complicated by the

impact of conflict, loss, trauma, anxiety or depression. Knowing yourself

well enough to understand when you need help is a sign of strength.

Help could be as simple as having the opportunity to tell your story, or as

complex as developing a plan to begin the journey toward change in

your life. Either way, we at Family Counselling Centre (FCC) are

committed to helping you find your strength and are ready to work with

you to find solutions that are right for you.

The FCC at our hospital has been supported by the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board since 2003. Since its beginning, the

Centre has offered programs to strengthen, promote and preserve individual and family life. The Centre seeks to assist

people in resolving psychosocial problems, in learning strategies to deal with life stresses and disabilities, and in

developing more satisfying interpersonal relationships.

The Centre's services are available to any individual, couple or family living without regard to race, ethnic origin, religion,

gender, disability, sexual orientation, age or economic status.

At Family Counselling Centre we believe that everyone has a right to live without the fear of being hurt—emotionally,

physically, sexually. We understand the impact of abuse and violence in your life and are here to help you deal with it. We

are ready to help you and your family begins to do things differently. Our job is not to blame but to help provide the tools

you need to live a life that embraces respect, fairness, trust, partnership and honesty.

Family life is full of challenges. Special needs, like developmental disabilities or problem that come with advancing age,

can make those challenges seem overwhelming. At Family Counselling Centre there is someone ready to get to know you,

sort out what you need and speak on your behalf if needed. We understand you need to live safely, independently and

free from worry. We can help you and your families find solutions that will help you reach your potential and support you

to participate fully in your community through work, play and friendship.

Sometimes when you and your children are struggling, the road ahead can seem confusing and intimidating. When you

begin to reach out for help it may feel as if you are struggling to put the pieces of a puzzle together. Through counselling,

information, referral, service coordination and advocacy we can help you begin to solve that puzzle. At Family

Counselling Centre we are ready to assist you as you sort out what you and your children need, and to support you to

work toward positive change… So far, we have counselled hundreds of persons at our centre by lighting their lives with

abundant joy, cheer & happiness.

In appreciating the services of our

Family Counselling Centre, Mrs. Sulata Deo, Chairperson of

Odisha State Social Welfare Board

visited our centre.

Thanks for your visit & we really

value it!

New Frontier at our hospital

An emerging paradigm for delivering affordable quality healthcare…The concept of Telemedicine was

introduced more than 30 years ago through

the use of telephone, facsimile machine

and slow-scan images. However, the

e n a b l i n g t e c h n o l o g y h a s g r o w n

considerably in the past decade.

The term Telemedicine, in short refers to

the utilization of telecommunication

technology for medical diagnosis,

treatment and patient care.

At our hospital, we initiated this concept on

October 2009 with the vision of bringing

at affordable or free cost.

So far, 4 Telemedicine centres have been

established at various districts of

Tamil Nadu.

health care to all

In recognition of our Telemedicine model, Bhratha Ratna Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam included in his PURA (Provision of Urban

Amenities in Rural Areas) concept and launched it in Thonukal village. Mr. V. Ponraj, Adviser, Office of the Former President

of India gives his expertise for the Telemedicine Centres of our hospital. He is also looking for partners to expand our

Telemedicine model for remote villages as to provide round the clock health care services.

Through Telemedicine initiatives, we have conducted 45 camps and treated 7290 patients.

Latest Technology Trends -

The Telemedicine model of our hospital is functioning in different villages which are suitable to any place. With the

Telemedicine model of our hospital, any remote or under developed areas can be connected with speciality hospitals.

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Interested students or working people are invited to

join the course & meet the professionals in

fundraising.

The enrollment of the course

has started NOW !

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Mr. Victor Chandran has joined our hospital as Head of the

department of Resource and Development / International

Relations / Social Projects. He has has rich experience in

administration, fundraising and organization development

has worked at various renowned international organizations

like World Vision, Habitat for Humanity etc. He had done his

MA in English & MBA from Eastern University, USA.

On behalf of Management and Trustees, we welcome you!

Fundraising Course enters into its

th7 year!

Application form can be downloaded

@ www.meenakshimission.org

or contact the

Learn Fundraising

in JUST 12 months. Join u oday

s t !n oday

Joi us t!

“Course Coordinator”

at

91-452-4263000

Extn. 3464

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New member to our Meenakshi Mission Family!New member to our Meenakshi Mission Family!

By training more than 100 students in

fundraising, Meenakshi Mission Hospital in

collaboration with Madurai Kamaraj University

has stepped in its seventh academic year.

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We want to express our gratitude and

appreciation to Dr. Vimala Lal of New Delhi for

her extremely generous donation to the

Camila Children's Cancer Fund.

She made an initial donation of 10 lakhs in

February 2011 and is making a monthly

donation of one lakh for twelve months

starting April of 2011. Hers has been the single

largest donation to the Fund. Dr. Lal is the aunt

of *Dr. Jayabose's first patient Vinay in New

York in 1981.

Vinay, who had leukemia at the age of three, is

now a healthy 32 year old and a successful

businessman.

Dr. Lal came to know about Dr. Jayabose's work

and the Camila Children's Cancer Centre at

Meenakshi Mission Hospital; and wanted to

lend a helping hand to our mission. Only

because of donations like these we are able to

honor our commitment to treat every single

child with cancer regardless of their ability to

pay for their care.

We greatly appreciate Dr. Vimala Lal for her

contributions to our organization, and promise

to continue and expand our mission of helping

children with cancer.

A Passion for saving lives!

A I B Gth kan you!I B G

We wish her all the best

and best of health.

* Dr. S. Jayabose is the director for Paediatric Oncology & Paediatric Haematology

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Guiding stars light the way….The Direct Relief International (DRI), USA

Our hospital has been

implementing different free

medical care and related

activities in collaboration

w i t h D i r e c t R e l i e f

International USA since

2 0 0 4 . D i r e c t R e l i e f

Internat iona l prov ides

m e d i ca l a s s i s ta n c e to

improve the quality of life of

people affected by poverty,

disaster, and civil unrest at

home and throughout the

world.

Health camps among the Tsunami victims

th On 26 December 2004 the people of coastal belt from Kanyakumari to Chennai in Tamil Nadu were affected

by Tsunami. Immediately after the Tsunami, our hospital launched its relief activities along with medical

care for Tsunami victims. With the support of Direct Relief International – USA, we organized four health

Care team and conducted health camp for the Tsunami victims in the post Tsunami context.

DRI is strengthening our health efforts by providing essential grant, material resources – medicines, supplies

and equipments.

Health has intrinsic value for every person, but it is also essential for people to learn, work, and make a living.

Sick people who do not receive care cannot work, and they get poor or stay poor; and people who are poor

are at higher risk of getting sick. Breaking this vicious cycle is an enormously complex endeavor requiring

change in many areas other than health services. However, under any scenario, better access to health

services for people stuck in this cycle is an integral to positive change on a humanitarian level and for

economic productivity.

In developing countries, financing health services is extremely difficult. The trained health professionals in

medically underserved communities represent the most important part of the healthcare infrastructure.

Direct Relief's support enables them to stay productively engaged so their patients can receive needed care.

Our hospital has made positive impact among the sick and Tsunami victims by implementing the following

medical program with the support of Direct Relief International-USA.

Mobile Telemedicine Van

In collaboration with Direct Relief International, our hospital has started Telemedicine activities with a

mobile Telemedicine van connected with broadband of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is in

operation. ` 3 crores worth of project is equipped with diagnostic gadgets, satellite link and treatment

facilities which could be provided at any remote areas for treatment. In addition, it can connect the patients

with super speciality hospitals for medical inputs on some health issues. In normal situation, the

Telemedicine van move to villages and provide treatment. At times of emergency, the Telemedicine van

used to camp and provide appropriate medical care for the victims.

Community Telemedicine

In collaboration with Direct Relief International, our hospital have established four-Telemedicine centres at

four remote villages of Tamil Nadu. Through this project, the remote villages are connected with the 650 beded

Meenakshi Mission Hospital and provided with round the clock medical care.

Telemedicine, a manifestation of Information Technology in health care sector ensures round the clock cost

effective treatment facilities at the doorsteps of Self Help groups - MAHASEMAM (Sister concern of Meenakshi

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Each health camp team with two medical doctors, three nurses, two lab technicians, one pharmacist, one

coordinator, one counsellor, one health camp assistant and one driver with an ambulance covered villages

located in 120 Kms stretch of seashore areas. Daily twelve health camps were conducted by the four health

camp teams and treated about 1200 Tsunami victims. Those victimized who need treatment for major

ailments referred to local hospitals. The health camps were conducted for three years continuously.

The damage caused due to Tsunami and health of the victims was taken care by our hospital health teams

from Chennai to Kanyakumari. For about three years we could able to provide treatment, medical

consultation, referral services, counselling etc free of cost for about 5 lakhs of people victimized by Tsunami

with the grant support of Direct Relief International.

Mission Hospital) and

their family members

living in remote villages

t h ro u g h re co g n i ze d

medical experts. Medical

e q u i p m e n t s a r e

established at villages in a

s m a l l r o o m a n d

connected to speciality

h o s p i t a l b y u s i n g

broadband connectivity.

Two tra ined nurses

operate the medical

equipments, record the

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DRI- MMHRC Health Centers in

Pulicat Island

Our hospital

inpatients and 40% of the out patients are provided free treatment. In addition, we also execute three rural

sub centres, one mobile Telemedicine van, four community Telemedicine Centres in four localities, two

health centres in Pulicat Island and conducts four-health camp every week in remote villages. The grant,

medicine, medical supplies and medical equipments donated by Direct Relief International under Indo US

Bilateral agreement are utilized for free medical activities of our hospital.

is a 650-bedded multi speciality hospital functioning with 46 medical departments. 20% of the

On behalf of the poor patients and Tsunami victims,

we whole-heartedly thank Direct Relief International –US

for supporting free medical care activities

of MMHRC.

health parameters of patients if necessary, ECG, X-ray, blood sugar content etc are taken and refer the datum

to the doctor at our hospital. Accordingly prescription and consultation are given. The full process are

executed vide electronic gadgets.

The innovative concept of Telemedicine in health care delivery system in partnership with micro credit /

finance institution (MAHASEMAM) has been implemented since three years in four villages by our hospital.

Knowing about the tremendous impact of the Telemedicine program among the rural mass, Bharat Ratna

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, included Telemedicine health care in his PURA concept and launched the same at th

Thonukal village, Virudunagar District, Tamil Nadu on 19 May 2010. The projects are successfully

functioning with sustainability and full participation of members of Micro Finance organizations.

In collaboration with Direct

Relief International, our hospital

has been running two health

centres in Gunamkuppam and

A r a n g k a m a n d p r o v i d e s

treatment to about 100 Island

dwellers since 2009. A team of

medical and para medical staff

are staying at the remote Island

to treat the patients.

Medicine, medical supplies and Medical equipments

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