Media Release
Brahmavar, Mar 6: Rotary Brahmavar organized 200th free mental health awareness and treatment for poor at taluk community health center here on March 4.
There is an inspiring story behind the camp. Hence, the health camp is being conducted on first Wednesday of every month with the help of donors.
S K Pranesh, president of Rotary Brahmavar, is now heading the activities of Rotary. He said, “We are happy to complete 200th camp successfully with the support of donors and other institutions. There are thousands of mentally-challenged patients. We are trying hard to maintain social stability through service.”
President-elect Thimmappa Rai said, “As many as 10 to 15 new patients are enrolling every month. Rotary is spending Rs 65,000 to Rs 70,000 for medicinal expenses. We will seek the help of MLA and MP in providing more medicines under central and state government schemes.”
Renowned psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandary said, “This is a noble cause. Hundreds of beneficiaries are reaping its benefits. It is a private-public participation activity in the state. I am very happy to be a part of this project.”
Members of Rotary Brahmavar were present.
The Rotary Centennial Permanent Community project, envisaged by Rotary centennial year president, Rotary Welfare Trust president Rtn Walter Cyril Pinto, led by Rtn Bhaskar Rai and wholeheartedly supported by the members, was launched under the leadership of 'Lend a Hand' by president Rtn Jaikishan, on July 19, 2003, during the joint installation of the office bearers of the 11 Interact Clubs, sponsored by RC Brahmavar.
The number of mental disorder cases is increasing and this shows seriousness of the issue. Thus, Rotary is providing free service to the poor for the past 17 years.
The first consultation and medicine distribution camp was held on August 4, 2003, with a meager 42 beneficiaries.
Dr P V Bhandary, well-known psychiatrist of Udupi district, the backbone of this project, is providing free consultation, arranging free samples and drugs at rebate/reasonable rates, from suppliers and manufacturers, and providing necessary support from his team of psychiatric social workers and medical fraternity, from Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital.