Inaugural Ceremony of the Shanthanu Shetty Arogya Card Distribution Programme

By Richard D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Manipal, 27 May 2024: The Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust (R) Manipal, in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), hosted the inaugural ceremony of the Shanthanu Shetty Arogya Card Distribution Programme on Sunday, 26th May 2024, at the Shri Srinivas Pai Prasanna Seva Mandir Hall, Parkala.

 

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Somnath Shetty, Chairman of the Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust (R) Manipal. Distinguished guests from MAHE, including Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor; Lt Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences; Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Teaching Hospitals; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital; Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean, KMC, Manipal; and Dr. Shashikiran Umakanth, Medical Superintendent, Dr. TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, presided over the ceremony.

 

Dr. H.S. Ballal emphasised the paramount importance of accessible healthcare for all sections of society. He praised the Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust for its unwavering dedication to the community’s well-being. He highlighted that the Trust’s initiatives, particularly the Arogya Card Distribution Programme, represent a significant stride towards ensuring that high-quality medical services are within reach for everyone, irrespective of their economic status. He acknowledged the Trust’s consistent efforts in bridging the gap between healthcare services and the underserved population, ensuring that no one is deprived of essential medical care due to financial constraints.

 

 

Lt Gen (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh underscored the collaborative efforts between MAHE and the Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust. He noted that this partnership has significantly enhanced healthcare services and outreach in the region. He mentioned that the synergy between MAHE’s medical expertise and the Trust’s community-focused approach has led to the development of comprehensive healthcare programmes that address the needs of the most vulnerable. He expressed optimism that the Arogya Card Distribution Programme would further strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and benefit a larger segment of the population.

 

The ceremony marked a significant step towards ensuring healthcare for all, with the distribution of Arogya Cards, which will provide beneficiaries with access to essential medical services.

 

Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, elaborated on the numerous benefits of the Shanthanu Shetty Arogya Card. He explained that the Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust contributed a corpus of 50 lakhs, matched by an equal amount from MAHE, Manipal. The interest generated from this corpus will be used to provide discounts for all inpatient services at Kasturba Hospital, Dr. TMA Pai Hospital Udupi, and Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital Karkala. Mr. Natraj Hegde provided an insightful overview of the Shanthanu Shetty Charitable Trust, detailing its mission, vision, and various initiatives aimed at uplifting the community. He highlighted the Trust’s ongoing projects and future plans to expand its reach and impact.The event concluded with a vote of thanks.