First-of-its-kind in Kerala: Rest centre unveiled for cancer patients' bystanders at Kottayam medical college
K
ottayam: In its diamond jubilee year, Kottayam medical college has unveiled a rest centre for bystanders of cancer patients — a first-of-its-kind for govt hospitals in Kerala.
The initiative was spearheaded and funded by the 1985 MBBS batch of the college.
Inaugurating the centre, devaswom, port and cooperation minister VN Vasavan lauded the alumni for their contribution. "A restroom for bystanders of cancer patients, unique and first of its kind in the state, reflects the humane side of healthcare that considers not just the patients but also those who stand by them in their most vulnerable moments," the minister said.
Medical college principal Dr Varghese Punnose presided over the event. Medical college superintendent Dr TK Jayakumar, Kottayam Institute of Child Health (ICH) superintendent Dr Jayaprakash KP, senior cardiologist Dr Jabir A, Dr Jose Tom, Dr Sam Christie Mammen, Dr Susan Uthup, Dr Suresh Kumar and Dr Tigy Thomas Jacob spoke at the event. Dr Jayaprakash and Dr Jabir are also senior office-bearers of Class 1985 Kottayam medical college society.
The 1,000 square foot building, adjacent to the cancer ward, features separate, hygienic resting areas for men and women, complete with modern bathrooms, two-tier beds, a secure access control system, CCTV surveillance, and a well-equipped dining area. The project, proposed by Dr TK Jayakumar was accepted by the 1985 alumni batch and completed at a cost of Rs 35 lakhs, Dr Jabir said. The announcements from the ICU of the cancer ward will be made audible in the restrooms via speakers.
The facility will be maintained by the staff and nurses of the cancer ward, alongside the hospital's housekeeping department, Dr Jayaprakash said.
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