GEORGETOWN: In
an inspiring display of compassion and dedication, medical specialists and
hospital staff generously volunteer their expertise and time to provide
essential healthcare services to the underprivileged at the Sivasanta Medical
Camp, located at 11 River Road, adjacent to the Tamil school.
The free medical camp, established by the welfare subcommittee of the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) at the request of Swami Shantanand Saraswathi, TFA's founder and advisor, embodies the organisation's motto ‘Love for God and Service for Fellow Beings.’ TFA, a non-profit organisation, nurtures young artistes in performing traditional Indian dances and musical instruments such as the harmonium and sitar. It also demonstrates its commitment to serving others through its charitable initiatives. In the spirit of this motto, the medical camp operates with a sense of servitude, offering essential healthcare services to those in need without expectation of anything in return.
P. Murugiah, 67, the coordinator of the medical camp, shared that TFA has been extending care to the less fortunate since 2000, offering a range of free general and specialist consultations and treatments. “Over 45 specialists and general practitioners (GP), and more than 20 nurses and hospital staff volunteer at Sivasanta. On service night, which falls on every Thursday, we usually have two specialists and one GP on duty, and at least five other volunteers to help with taking the patient’s blood pressure and sugar level,” he said. On average, the medical camp receives 30 visitors over two hours from 7 pm to 9 pm.
"The specialists who take turns volunteering their services include ear, nose, and throat, eye care, dermatology, orthopaedics, respiratory care, paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, dentistry, oncology, and urology.
“Our doctors will also prepare and make recommendations for patients to seek further treatment at the Penang General Hospital.
“I coordinate the roster with our volunteers and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Most of our volunteers are also members of the Penang Hindu Association (PHA),” said Murugiah, who is also the president of PHA.
"Over the past five years, we have donated more than 20 medical beds for bedridden patients and 45 wheelchairs to the disabled and senior citizens of all races,” he said. “Other than that, we also provide milk powder and diapers for infants and the elderly and provide free prescription glasses for the poor. So far, we have donated more than 500 pairs of spectacles to schoolgoing and college students, especially those who face financial difficulties.”
The Sivasanta Medical Camp operates from a building owned by the local council. “Without our local council’s generous support, all these would not have been possible. We are really grateful for the continuous assistance and cooperation provided by the council,” said Murugiah. “Apart from that, we are also thankful towards our regular donors for supporting us financially.”
These
selfless individuals, who dedicate themselves to transforming the lives of the
vulnerable, truly embrace the essence of humanitarianism and community spirit —
ideals to which everyone can aspire.
