The Hindu : Kerala News : An initiative for the needy, worth emulating

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Monday, Sep 11, 2006
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Kerala

An initiative for the needy, worth emulating

As part of the Hunger-free Kerala Project, the Social Welfare Department has taken the initiative to make available food free for patients below poverty line on a regular basis at General Hospital

SUCCOUR FOR THE POOR: Food being supplied at District General Hospital as part of the Hunger-free Kerala Project.

Supply of food in hospitals is one of the main charities that many organisations take up. A few organisations are providing food in the afternoon on a regular basis at District General Hospital.

As part of the Government's Hunger-free Kerala Project, the Social Welfare Department in the district took up the initiative to make available food free for patients below poverty line on a regular basis at the hospital.

A committee headed by Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish and Regional Assistant Director of the department C.M. Yoshith as convener was formed to implement the project.

Mr. Hanish said the project began on December 26 last year with sponsorship by K.V. Thomas, MLA, for the first five days. The cost was Rs.3,000 everyday with food for 300 people, including patients and those accompanying them.

"We get chapattis and vegetable curry," said Prabha, bystander of a patient in the women's medical ward. "The quality of food is good too," she added. "Food is supplied at seven in the evening, for which tokens are issued."

Mr. Hanish said a kudumbashree unit near the High Court was given the contract to supply food at night. The project was continuing with the committee managing to get sponsorship from social organisations and institutions.

"The first meeting brought us funds to meet the project's cost till March 31. The second meeting brought in funds to tide over till October 2," Mr. Hanish said.

"Financial institutions have been more than willing to take up the project. A public sector bank twice sponsored the project for about 20-25 days. However, no big corporates have come in so far," he added.

In most of the districts, the programme either did not start or fizzled out after some time, said Mr. Hanish.

"We are trying to keep the programme going. We are trying to evolve a sustainable mechanism," he said.

Shyama Rajagopal

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