-Service Mission Initiated Under Balasaheb Deoras’ Inspiration Completes 53 Years, Plans Underway for a Modern 200-Bed Hospital

Nagpur, 01 August (H.S.): Following the ideals of ‘Shiv Bhave Jeev Seva’ (serving humanity with the feeling of serving Lord Shiva) preached by Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital has been setting a unique example of service, dedication and compassion for the past 53 years. The hospital has been providing modern healthcare facilities to poor and needy patients at affordable costs.

Service Journey Began from a Cow Shelter, Now a 100-Bed Super Speciality Hospital

Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission was established in 1974 under the inspiration and efforts of Balasaheb Deoras, the third Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). At that time, the Khapri area was almost like a forest and educational camps of the organisation were conducted there. The place where the hospital’s magnificent building stands today was once a cow shelter.

Balasaheb Deoras envisioned providing better healthcare facilities to people from around 150 villages in the surrounding areas and entrusted the responsibility of fulfilling this mission to renowned physician Dr Nanasaheb Salpekar. In the initial phase, the hospital operated an outpatient department (OPD) only once a week. Sample medicines received by doctors were distributed free of cost among needy patients.

With time, the number of patients increased, and the weekly OPD was converted into a daily service. The initiative, which initially started with ophthalmology services, has now transformed into a healthcare centre providing treatment for almost all major diseases.

All Modern Medical Facilities Now Available

Dr Dilip Gupta, President of Vivekananda Medical Mission, said that the hospital, which started from a cow shelter, has now developed into a modern 100-bed super speciality hospital.

The hospital currently provides several advanced medical facilities, including laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, neurosurgery, joint replacement, spinal treatments, physiotherapy, laser treatment for varicose veins, CT scan facilities, dialysis, paediatric cardiac surgery, angiography, angioplasty, gynaecology and obstetrics services, and ophthalmology care.

He said that due to the hospital’s location on a national highway, accident victims are often brought here as the first point of medical care. Keeping this requirement in mind, the hospital operates 100 beds along with 11 ICU beds.

Apart from medical services, nursing training is also provided at the institution, where 40 female students are currently undergoing training under a two-year course.

Free Treatment for Economically Weaker Patients Under Government Schemes: Medical Superintendent

Dr Meenakshi Khadakkar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said that various major medical services, including ENT, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, cardiology, gynaecology and obstetrics, are available under one roof.

She said economically weaker patients are also provided free treatment under various healthcare schemes of the Central and state governments. According to her, at a time when medical expenses are continuously rising, the hospital has become a major support system for thousands of families.

A Service Institution Built Through Public Support

Dr Dilip Gupta said that the entire journey of Vivekananda Medical Mission is an example of social cooperation and dedication by volunteers. Along with fundraising efforts by RSS volunteers, continuous support from society and various organisations has helped the hospital grow over the years.

Impressed by the hospital’s commitment to service, foreign organisations have also extended assistance. The Japanese government provided advanced neurosurgery equipment to the hospital, greatly facilitating complex brain-related treatments. BrahMos also provided modern ventilators for children.

At present, the hospital is equipped with almost all major super speciality services.

Plans Underway for a 200-Bed Advanced Hospital

Highlighting future plans, Dr Gupta said work is underway for the construction of a new 200-bed state-of-the-art hospital on the land adjacent to the existing building.

The proposed 11-storey facility will include 60 ICU beds, nine modern operation theatres and a robotic surgery unit. The expansion will enable patients from Vidarbha and neighbouring states to access high-quality healthcare facilities.

He said that the vision of Balasaheb Deoras to provide quality treatment to poor and needy people at affordable costs continues to guide the institution. Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital is carrying forward this commitment and keeping the ideal of ‘Shiv Bhave Jeev Seva’ alive through service, dedication and human compassion, which remains the institution’s greatest identity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar