Annual Report 2013-14

KHEJRI SARVODAYA GENERAL HEALTH AND 

EYE CARE CENTER

independent unit of 

JAIPUR WORLD CITY SOCIETY

(a non-profitable organization)

Annual Report 2013-2014

Drawing by Students of Bal Bharati School, Dantali

At the time of writing this 19^th annual report in the beginning of April 2014, India’s 800 million voters are going to the polls to elect a new government at the Centre. Amidst hectic electioneering and expectations of the citizens of this biggest democracy of the world, we look at the Parties’ manifestoes full of promises for a better tomorrow.” Better governance and development” seem major criteria with a strong anti-corruption slant. But what about the social sectors, like education and health??

““The current situation on health: India has one-third of the world’s malnourished and accounts for a quarter of the world’s infant deaths. Public expenditure on health is 1.2% of GDP, one of the lowest in the developing world. As a result, India has one of the highest out-of-pocket expenditure on health in the world, and illness is a leading cause of bankruptcy.”

What do the major parties promise in their manifestoes?

The Congress party: “will bring in the Right to Health, will raise healthcare spending to 3% of GDP; will expand the Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, a cashless insurance scheme; will create 6 million new jobs in the health sector by 2020. Will strengthen primary infra-structure and bring mobile health facilities to every district.”

The Bhartiya Janta Party: “will bring in ‘National Health Assurance Mission’ with a mandate for universal healthcare; will encourage Indian system of medicine, modern science and ayurgenomics; will set up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in every state.”

The Communist Party of India (Marxist): “public expenditure on health to be raised to at least 5% of GDP; regulating the private health care sector, reversing the trend of privatization of hospital sector through urgent and stringent measures; ensuring uninterrupted supply of medicines, free of cost, in all public health facilities; strictly controlling and regulating clinical trials.”

The Aam Admi Party will bring in the Right to Health and the DMK will raise the public expenditure to 3% of GDP.”” (The Hindu, 8^th April 2014)

Manifestoes are wishful documents. It may be interesting to check after one year how much the then ruling party/coalition will live up to its promises.

In any case, it seems indicated that a small patient-oriented, community clinic  like the Khejri Health Centre  still has a major role to play in basic and preventive health. We are able to do this because of the devoted services of our doctors and staff and the donations we receive from some local, but mainly foreign donors, which takes care of 75% of the total expenditure to run the Health Centre. During the year under review we were still able to keep a small registration fee of Rs.20 (25 euro cents) for consultation and free medicines. Those who could not afford even this small amount paid no fees, as also the 578 school children who came to the health centre with a reference from their schools. The 1462 pupils medically checked in 13 schools in our area were also provided free medicines and where indicated further investigations, treatment and spectacles.

The Year at a Glance:

The Health Centre with its 18 staff members was open morning and evening for 309 days, plus some Sundays on which we organized free consultation camps. Including eye patients, the total number of patients’ visits was 29790. The month of August 2013 was the busiest with a daily average of 119 patients. We are always receiving more women and children than men patients, except sometimes in the evening clinic when there are more men. Gradually the Health Centre is now placed in a more urbanized area, while when we started in 1995 this was a completely rural and rather isolated area without any modern medical facilities. Hence, now we also receive more urban patients. To those who can afford, we do not provide free medication, but the registration fee remains the same.

Particular	Morning	Evening	Total
Working Days			309
No. of Patients*	23634	6156	29790
Old Patients*	10383	2481	12864
New Patients*	13251	3641	16892
New Adult Male*	4262	1223	5485
New Adult Female*	5552	1109	6661
New Male Children*	1336	725	2061
New Female Children*	2101	584	2685
Antenatal Cases*	776	0	776
Eye Patients*	4228	0	4228
Eye Operations	216	0	216
E.C.G.	59	0	59
Laboratory	2480	0	2480
Immunizations	1062	0	1062

*refers to number of patients’ visits

Patients’ diseases and our specialized services:

While our monthly reports categorise every month more than 100 different diseases being attended to, the most frequently occurring diseases are: upper respiratory infections (5010), all kinds of skin diseases (2610), intestinal disorders (1108), antenatal and reproductive disorders (1387), injuries (447) and hypertension (245).

Special Treatment Programme Fund. More than 70 patients requiring major interventions on a long term basis have been medically and financially helped by this Fund since 2004. The Fund was initiated with a donation from Mr. and Mrs. E. Guenther, but subsequently mainly supported by Khejri Verein, Bremen, Germany. In the year under review we could extend financial support to 10 long term and 3 new patients:  Rabiya (cancer, since March 2011, expired – pending bills), Nanni (heart operation, since Jan.2007), Shakira (heart operation, since Febr.2011), Ashok Kumar (brain operation, 2012), Anita (diabetic, since June 2008), Baby Saba (2 operations for displaced hip joints, since April 2013), Asif (heart operation, since Febr. 2005), Razia (2 heart operations, since Nov. 2007), Bhagwan Sahai (diabetic, since March 2009), Arjun (muscular dystrophy, since July 2011), Vishnu (epileptic, Jan. 2007), Manish Kumar (ear operation, March 2014), Manni Devi (nose operation, March 2014).

Our antenatal and reproductive health services received the biggest blow when our sonography machine was sealed by the government. The law introduced to curtail sex-determination and female foeticide prescribed that a sonologist can only work in two health centres. Since ours was a part-time arrangement, no one was willing to come. We did not extend the licensing fee (a considerable amount), and hence the machine was sealed. In spite of this set-back, Dr. Aruna Kanwar looked after 776 antenatal and 611 reproductive health patients’ visits, who were given regular check-ups of weight, blood pressure, laboratory tests, vaccinations, iron calcium tablets, family planning assistance and treatment for specific reproductive ailments. The year before we had started paying extra attention to checking the hemoglobin level, not only of pregnant women and other patients (606, figure relates to the year under review), but also introduced a special programme of checking adolescent school girls (200 last year). We are grateful to Mrs. Jane Himmat Singh for providing us the funds to buy a Swedish Hemacure monitor, This year we checked 450 girls in 11 schools for their hemoglobin level. Every girl and woman was provided a card with their rating and advice as to how to improve/maintain the desired hemoglobin reading. Where needed, parents were called to the schools/ Health Centre for follow up. Hopefully, with this approach we shall eventually get healthier women in their reproductive span of life to deliver stronger babies. These women specific services were supported by donors from The Netherlands, Belgium and UK.

The eye care centre, in charge of Dr. Apurv Kotia since mid-2012, has more firmly established itself. About 42 different eye diseases/disorders were attended to this year. Conjunctivitis and cataract are the major diseases, as well as refractive errors. About 200 operations were performed. 4 camps were organized, where 350 patients were screened and 1462 children’s eyes were checked in various schools. 47 children were provided free spectacles financed by Jaipur World City Society. The Lions Workgroup for the Blind of the Netherlands has also this year extended financial support, as well as Dr. Vineet Kumar (UK). Mr. Puneet Sharma is the full time ophthalmic assistant. He and senior nurse Sreeja Pillai assist with the operations.

Free Immunization  has continued to be provided  to 1062 patients, including DPT+Polio I, II, III, Boosters, Measles, TT (ANC) I, II, Hepatitis B I, II, III, TT for injured persons, MMR and Typhoid. We are able to extend this service due to the munificence of the Netherlands Foundation ‘Aid for Young People’. Nurse Sreeja and Nurse Prasanna look after this important preventive programme.

The Laboratory continued its good supportive, diagnostic services under the guidance of Dr. Hanuman Singh and Mr. Babu Raj Nair as the technician. 1384 Pathology tests, including 606 hemoglobin tests, 1024 Biochemistry tests and 72 sputum tests were performed. All 450 school hemoglobin tests were done by Mr. Babu Raj at the various schools. Last two years we had the excellent support and guidance of Prof.Dr. Kamla Chandra. It is with great sadness that we have to report that she passed away last October after a brief illness. We miss her greatly.

The laboratory services continue to have to be greatly subsidized by donations from The Netherlands.

Camps: On 19^th May 2013 a cancer detection camp was held (breast and cervical) attended by 42 women.  On 23^rd February 2014 a multi speciality camp was organized at the Health Centre premises, where free treatment, laboratory investigations and medicines were provided. Specialists in dental and ENT, an additional gynaecologist, eye doctor and general physicians were available to the patients.  257 patients were attended to. Also in this camp women were checked  for breast cancer. An oncologist and volunteers of the Mastectomy Association of India-Jaipur branch and the Jaipur Cancer Relief Society provided screening and preventive information.   Separate outreach eye camps were organized at Jagatpura slum area (01.09.13:- 94 patients), Dantli  village (07.07.13: 36 patients) and at Jhalana slum area (20.10.13:-100 patients)    All these camps require a lot of publicity and organization by the staff to attract and smoothly attend to large number of persons. The camps were once again financed out of the Roma Baksi Memorial Fund.

The School Health and Health Education Project:

This year we conducted 1462 medical examinations with free treatment and medicines of children in 13 different schools, viz. Divine Academy School, Jagatpura, Rajasthan Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Jagatpura, Government Secondary School, Burthal, Bal Bharati Senior Secondary School, Dantli, Bal Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Khatipura, Manju Public Senior Secondary School, Kundanpura, Nav Jyoti Public School, Gilaria, Ganpati Public School, Khonagoriah, Vineeta Society, Galta Gate, Transport Nagar, Arpit Children Academy Senior Secondary School, Kandawas, Vividh School, Jagatpura slum area, Ramdas Public School, near railway crossing, Dantli, Bhaskar Public School, near Khatipura railway station.

Major number of diseases detected related to vision and conjunctivitis, upper respiratory infections, intestinal infections, ear, dental. Few cases of more serious nature related to lungs/asthma, heart, ear and dental. Treatment, medication and follow up were provided to all; meetings were held with parents also. Approx. 40% children were below standard Indian weight. As reported above, 450 adolescent girls were checked for possible anemia.40 girls were severely anemic and provided needed medication.

The medical team consisted of: Dr. Usha Sanghi, Dr. Prem Shekhawat, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Dr. L.M. Pareek; sisters Prasanna, and Mamta. Overall coordination, documentation and follow-up: Mr. Bhanwar Lal Kumawat.

Extra nutrition: About 1000 protein/vitamin syrup and vitamin tablets were provided to 80% of all school children. 342 jars of protein powder, 600 bottles of protein/vitamin syrup, also vit. B complex and multivitamins were distributed in the Health Centre to weak and infirm patients.    30 Nursery school children in Navjyoti School, who were very much under standard weight, were given reinforced therapeutic food provided by JVS Food Pvt. Ltd. on an experimental basis. We are assessing the result. 50 steel plates (thalis) were provided to Govt. Secondary School, Burthal for the mid-day meals.

Several personal donors from The Netherlands finance the School Health Examination Project. The Nutrition input has been paid for by the Foundation Children of Tomorrow (Kinderen van Morgen), The Netherlands.

Health Education: 353 senior students of Government Secondary School, Burthal, Bal Bharati Senior Secondary School, Dantli, Government Secondary School, Khonagoriah, Arpit Children Academy Senior Secondary School, Kanadwas, Manju Public Senior Secondary School, Kundanpura, Bal Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Khatipura, Ramdas Public School, near railway crossing Dantli were taught with the help of textbooks and answer books for 10 lessons each on basic health related topics during the months of July – March. Video programmes were shown and very much enjoyed. Painting workshops on health topics were held in 3 schools (approx. 100 students). In 2 schools interesting plays on health and education issues were presented by Gunj theatre group (approx. 1000 students). This event was witnessed by Madam Danielle Brink and friends (Children of Tomorrow). First aid training for students was given by Dr. Kiran Tandon and Dr. Sunita Sharma in 4 schools (615 students attended). A full day first aid training workshop for 31 teachers of 14 schools was held at Digantar on 15^th February 2014. Besides the Health Centre staff, Prof. Maya Tandon gave an important power point presentation on accident prevention and resuscitation, also with the help of a mannequin. We provided first aid boxes to 18 schools, the contents of which is replenishable.

This entire programme has been ably coordinated and executed by Mr. Bhanwar Lal Kumawat. Funds for the School Health Education Programme are provided by ‘Children of Tomorrow’ and recently a donation has been received from the foundation ‘Assistance to Small scale Activities in developing countries: ASA’, also of The Netherlands.

School Assistance Programme:

With the generous financial assistance of St. Theresia Foundation and St. Imelda Foundation we were once again able to provide education to 30 poor students (often orphans) in 8 schools. A set of 40 tables and stools were provided to Ganpati Public School by the Dutch Foundation ‘Aid for Young People’.

Jasper Fund: Since the last 14 years since his birth we have received an annual donation from Jasper’s parents, Tjitske Cazemier and Peter Zoon, as well as more recently from his uncle and aunt Jaap en Elske Eikelboom, for medicines and other medical or educational needs of children. They are some of the many individual donors who support different aspects of the services we provide.

Staff and Management:

Dr. Hanuman Singh and Dr. L.M. Pareek (physicians, morning OPD), Dr. Prem Shekhawat  (specialist, internal medicine, morning OPD), Dr. Aruna Kumari Kanwar (gynecologist, morning OPD), Dr. Y.K. Rajvanshi (physician, evening OPD), Dr. Apurv Kotia  (eye specialist and surgeon),  Dr.Usha Sanghi (pt.time, school examinations), Dr. Sunita Sharma (pt.time volunteer, school programmes).

Para-medical: Mr. Rajendran Nair, Mrs. Sreeja Pillai, Mrs. Prasanna Shivan, Mr. Babu Raj, Mr. Puneet Sharma.

Administrative: Mrs. Gerda J. Unnithan (hon.director), Mr. Bhasi M, Mrs. Rekha Pillai, Mr. Ramchandran Pillai, Mr. Bhanwar Lal Kumawat.

Supporting staff: Mrs. Zaida Bano, Mrs. Kamlesh, Mr. Gogaram.

The overall management rests with Jaipur World City Society. The Health Centre’s Advisory Committee.  consisting this year of the JWCS president Mr. B.L. Baid, its treasurer Mr. J.C. Gupta, Dr. Y.K. Rajvanshi, Mr. Hemant Agrawal, Mrs. Krishna Gupta, Mr. B.M.S. Bareth and Mrs. G.J. Unnithan, met regularly to guide and supervise the working of the Health Centre. Prof. T.K.N. Unnithan and Prof. Dr. Kamla Chandra were special invitees.

Finances:

The total income during 1^st April 2013 = 31^st March 2014 from local sources and donations was Rs.1997975.-; from foreign donations Rs.2500849.- and from bank interest  Rs. 206748.-. Most foreign donations are for ongoing projects into the next year(s). A special mention must be made of the bi-monthly continued financial support since 1995 of Prof. H.G. and Dr. M. Jansen through the foundation Khejri Verein, Germany and Dr. Jansen’s excellent professional input.

Total expenditure under various heads amounted to Rs.4418232.-.These are as yet unaudited figures. The accounts will be audited along with the accounts of Jaipur World City Society by Messrs. Shekhawat & Co. Income tax and FCRA Govt. of India formalities will be completed as in previous years.

Do continue to support us in future also.

Donations from abroad may please be sent to Jaipur World City Society, account no. 10054351906, State Bank of India, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur, India (swift code: SBININBB154).

FCRA (Govt. of India) registration no of Jaipur World City Society is 125560068.

Local donations can directly be transferred to Khejri Sarvodaya General Health and Eye Care Centre, account no. 678705110686, ICICI Bank, University Marg, Jaipur.

Exemptions for donations under Sub Clause 80(G) of Income Tax Act 1961. Certificate no. 705 dt. 18.7.2011.

KHEJRI SARVODAYA GENERAL HEALTH AND EYE CARE CENTRE

Todiramzanipura, Jagatpura, Jaipur-302017, India, tel.no. 01-141-2750134

e-mail: gjunnithan@hotmail.com. http://Khejri.dotmy.nl,

blog: http:/khejrihealthcenter.blogspot.in

JAIPUR WORLD CITY SOCIETY

A-11, Central Market, University Marg, Jaipur-302015, India

Tel.91-141-2704929, e-mail: baidbl@yahoo.co.in

Khejri is a local venerated tree (Latin name: Prosopia cineraria) and has been taken as a symbol for endurance in this harsh and arid land. Sarvodaya is a Sanskrit word meaning “welfare for all”.