Chennai Flood Relief Update : Sewa International Dedicates Mobile Medical Unit 

Aug 21, 2016 marked yet another milestone for Sewa International in supporting the victims of 2015 Tamil Nadu floods. As part of rehab work, Sewa International will provide healthcare facilities at the doorstep of the underprivileged affected during 2015 floods. In partnership with local non-profit Sewabharathi Tamil Nadu (SBTN), a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) will be deployed to provide healthcare to residents of 12 identified slums in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The inauguration and formal launch of the MMU was held at SBTN office in Chennai in the presence of nonagenarian social worker, guide and mentor Shri. Kru Suryanarayana Rao. Fondly known as Suru-ji, he continues to guide many social organizations, and, has initiated and led, hundreds of projects on development, rescue, relief, and rehab. Incidentally, he also serves on the advisory board of Sewa International.

Speaking on the occasion, Suri-ji recalled the relentless work done by the SBTN volunteers during the 2015 Tamil Nadu floods. Quoting Swami Vivekananda’s famous words, “They only live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive”, Suru-ji called one and all to come forward and dedicate their time to the service of society and fellow countrymen.

Swami Amaresh Chaitanya of Chinmaya Mission, and Swami Vinayamrita Chaitanya of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, who graced the occasion, addressed the gathering and handed over the keys of the MMU.

The MMU will be operated in technical collaboration with Chakra multispecialty hospital, under the guidance of Dr. Sathyanarayanan who was also present on the occasion.

Assisted by a SBTN project coordinator, the medical team from Chakra hospital comprising of a General Physician (GP), a paramedic, and, a pharmacist will visit each of the 12 locations with an average of 500+ families, once a week.

An area coordinator identified at each of the 12 locations together with and a four-member volunteer team will be responsible for the logistics and communication with the beneficiaries at their respective locations.

The temperature controlled MMU will provide physician consultancy and medicines, with facilities for checking of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and ECG. All these facilities will be provided at no cost to the patients.

The MMU is also equipped with a refrigerator to store medicines, and, a TV for telecasting programs on health and hygiene, in the local language. An inbuilt diesel generator meets the power requirements for the AC, TV and refrigerator.

Referrals and other diagnostics tests as required will be carried out at Chakra hospital and network of government hospitals across Chennai.