Manipal hospital to conduct cardiac surgery for poor

One of the premier health care groups from South India has announced their initiative to conduct cardiac surgery at the cheapest rate for the poor and needy patients at its facilities in Manipal, Karnataka and Dona Paula, Goa.

Dr Shirish Borkar, consultant Cardo Thoracis Surgeon, attached to Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, told reporters that the surgery would be conducted for just Rs30,000 as against the actual pricing of Rs1.10 lakh.

"This is a scheme for extremely poor people, who avoid getting operated due to the cost involved in it. The entire package for Rs30,000 will cover hospitalisation, surgery and even post-surgery care," he said.

Borkar was talking to reporters along with Dr Raghu Raman, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr Girish KM, consultant geneticist and Dr Anupama Borkar, consultant paediatric after inaugurating a poly-clinic of super speciality consultants at a Goa hospital near here.

He said the rest of the financial burden for the surgery would be collectively borne by Manipal Foundation and Kasturba Trust.

"We want people to come forward and avail this facility," Dr Borkar emphasised.