Affordable healthcare should be made available to the poor: Kalam

The country's 'vision 2020' should include delivery of affordable healthcare system even to the rural poor, apart from making available the best healthcare system, former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam said today.

Taking up research in genetics that impact Indians should also be encouraged, Kalam, who envisages a strong and developed India by 2020, said.

Hospitals should not only focus on treatment but also on promoting healing by adopting an integrated holistic and humanitarian approach, he said.

Launching the 200-bed Indus Westside Superspeciality Hospital here, he said hospitals adopting a compassionate face would see faster healing among patients. "Medicine and Compassion should work together", he said quoting a book.

Lauding the new hospital for incorporating a holistic medicine department including Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yogic Science and Homeopathy, he said this integrated approach could prove to be a unique model in the state.

It was also imperative that hospitals provide a conducive environment for its staff to work and where they could deliver their best.

Preventive healthcare was another aspect that needed to be focussed in today's times and doctors ought to take on the mantle of teachers and educate patients, he said.

The Indus Westside Hospital is built over an area of 1.10 lakh sq feet and has six operation theatres and 45 ICU beds.
  
The hospital has invested Rs 100 crore in the first phase and plans to invest Rs 300 crore in the next two phases, hospital sources said.