Dil Without Bill…
Saturday, November 10th, 2012
‘Love All, Serve All’… ‘Help Ever, Hurt Never…’ Words that appear so simple, but like innumerable other messages of Bhagawan, they have a profound meaning and a deep impact on the lives of His devotees. Following the example He has set with His life – of reaching out to whosoever is in need of help – the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is immersed in constant service activities vis-à-vis – Mother & Child Care, Mobile Medical Service, Education In Human Values, Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas and many other such related undertakings. The ultimate purpose of working towards this upliftment of mankind and that of all other beings is linked with transformation – that of our hearts, our souls, our lives. Taking a step forward in this direction, the SSSSO Maharashtra and Goa has organised a Free Heart Diagnostic Camp, under the banner ‘Dil Without Bill’, recently in the Divine Abode, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai. A Report on the unique initiative.
It was the message of their Lord & Master – that each and every person in this country is entitled to Free Medicine. The message was loud and clear to the world, when they saw Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Maharashtra & Goa & Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot organize a FREE cardiac camp ‘Dil without Bill’ at Dharmakshetra, Andheri, Mumbai on 28th October, 2012.
“The aim, as always, is to tread on the route of selfless and unconditional seva as expounded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba,” said Sri Ramesh Sawant, State President, SSSSO commenting on the unique initiative. The initiative was open to the age bracket of 3-60 years, with an income of less than Rs 20,000 in urban areas and less than Rs 10,000 in rural areas.
The volunteers of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation had conducted a series of screening and diagnostic camps across various districts of Maharashtra throughout September and October 2012, screening over 1500 patients. Through diagnostics and counselling about 400 patients were short listed for the final camp at Dharmakshetra. Additionally about 160 people walked in for on the spot registrations who went through the mandatory check-ups before being advised on further course of action by a team of more than 20 doctors. ECG and 5 2D Echo machines were arranged for an immediate check up and diagnosis.
The ambience at Dharmakshetra was so charged with Divine Love, that far from being a dreary medical exercise, the camp seemed like a celebration of life, a tribute to the Divine residing in all – the doctors, the patients and their relatives and the volunteers! Dharmakshetra was suitably bedecked for the occasion and one could be mistaken for thinking there was a festival being celebrated.
A magnificent stage and a pandal served as the place for a short programme graced by a galaxy of dignitaries. His Excellency Dr D.Y Patil – the Governor of Tripura, Shri. Suresh Shetty, the Health and Family Welfare Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Sri Asit Mehta, Arav Diamonds, Belgium , Smt Deepti Sahay, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Sri Kanubhai Patel, Chairman, Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot, Sri Manoj Bhimani, Managing Trustee Sathya Sai Heart Hospital, Rajkot, Sri Nimish Pandya, All India Vice President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation & Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Trust Maharashtra, Sri Ramesh. D. Sawant, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation (Maharashtra & Goa) & Sri Anoop Saxena, District President Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Mumbai were among those present. Everyone present commended the efforts in organising this unique effort. A book describing all the activities at Rajkot hospital aptly entitled “Service of Heart through Heart” was released by His Excellency Dr D.Y Patil and Sri Asit Mehta.
A short but emotional drama depicting the life of a young girl hailing from a remote village of Maharashtra who suffered from severe heart problem and how she was treated at a free hospital was enacted by a group of young girls from Navi Mumbai District. The drama was the true life story of Sheetal Makrand a girl from Kundoli village, Maharashtra who was treated at the Rajkot hospital after being untreated for over 13 years due to their economical status. Many patients sitting in the audience could easily identify with the ‘Sheetal’ in their lives.
An army of volunteers had prepared a meticulous step by step screening procedure to guide the patients through. The objective of this camp was to advise the patient whether surgery was required or not and if yes then to give a date for the same at the Rajkot hospital. The unique nature of the entire activity was a complete end to end solution for the patient totally free of cost. The loving volunteers served refreshments, tea, coffee, and food all through the day to everyone present. To help the patients benefit from Yoga, a team of Yoga experts led by Mrs. Sankpal kept the audience engaged by teaching basic Yogic practices that would benefit them in the long run.
At the end of the long but satisfying day over 400 people went through a series of screenings, including ECG and 2D Echo tests. The Sathya Sai Rajkot Hospital gave confirmed dates for various heart related operation to 143 patients (109 Non Valve Patients, 10 TOF, 24 Valve replacements) and will review 39 more after basic reports are submitted. Some of the patients, who had given hopes of a healthy life, were so overwhelmed with joy on getting closer dates.
The project was ably assisted by various groups including the Sate Bank Of India donning the role of patrons in this unique service.
All seemed to revel in fulfilling Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of making Medicare accessible to all. The 2 super speciality hospitals aptly known as Temples Of Healing in Puttaparthi and Bangalore built by Bhagawan stand testimony to His commitment as they have conducted thousands of surgeries and treated many more patients in the fields of cardiology, neurology, nephrology and urology over the last 20 years absolutely free of cost. This is a constant source of inspiration to all who attended this camp and we pray to Bhagawan to bestow health and happiness to all.
II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Love All Serve All |
