Guwahati, Aug. 17: Assam governor Banwarilal Purohit urged other private hospitals in the country to replicate the Affordable Health Mission initiative of the Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC) today.
GNRC was established in the city by neurologist Dr Nomal Chandra Borah in 1985. It is the first super-speciality healthcare centre in the region and currently operates three hospitals offering over 500 beds. The Affordable Health Mission, a brainchild of Borah, has been introduced at the recently set up GNRC Medical near Amingaon, on the outskirts of the city.
A biography of Borah, titled Hope Dawns in the East, was also launched on the occasion by the governor and Anil Sinha - former regional head of International Finance Corporation.
Speaking on the occasion, Purohit said, "This is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform that delivers freedom from ill-health. Only when the body is free from disease that an individual can contribute to the socio-economic growth of the nation and the nation prospers. I have read the biography of Borah and I am amazed at his dedication and commitment to work for the rural poor. His vision in formulating the Affordable Health Mission is to be lauded. I request all members of the community to join this public mission of creating a healthy society. This model should be replicated in private hospitals in other parts of the country."
The initiative was prompted by a survey of 2 lakh people in the rural areas of several districts to identify the problems faced by them while accessing healthcare services. It was found that patients from the rural areas had to spend an average of four days and Rs 4,000 to avail of free medical services in the city. In addition to this, they had to bear the loss incurred by not taking care of their respective trade or business.
"The patented model of GNRC includes free transportation to the GNRC Medical, free consultation, discounted diagnostic facilities, same-day prescription, supply of standard generic medicines and free return journey. We want a patient to be able to go home with proper medication for his or her ailment on the same day. We can generate funds for running the programme even if a single patient spends an amount of Rs 1,000 in our hospital. I am sure that the programme will be successful and there will be an increase in footfall. Our next target is to provide free indoor beds for patients staying in our hospital," senior doctor Navanil Barua said.
