The Hindu

Udupi, Apr 19: With a view to provide medical and other related assistance to the poor and needy patients and to meet its charitable objectives, the G. Shankar Family Trust, Udupi, has decided to donate Rs. 12 lakh annually to Manipal University.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, the Chancellor of Manipal University T. Ramdas Pai said his university would contribute an equal amount for the purpose. The proceeds of such a fund would be kept aside for treatment of poor and needy patients at reduced rates at the university hospitals in Manipal, Udupi, Karkala and Mangalore.

Dormitory

Dr. Pai said the trust had decided to extend financial assistance for constructing a dormitory at Kasturba Hospital here to help the attendants of the poor patients stay. “Since all the relatives of a patient cannot stay in the hospital, they can stay at the dormitory, which will accommodate about 150 people,” he said.

The dormitory would be named “Late Smt. Laxmi Soma Bangera Memorial Hall” to commemorate the mother of the trustee G. Shankar.

Dr. Pai said the trust was desirous of supporting patient-care initiatives of the university. It would provide a dialysis equipment for installation at the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal. The university had agreed to charge less for the poor, he said.

“The trust has expressed its desire to support the patient-care activities in future also. This gesture will strengthen the university’s aspirations,” Dr. Pai said.

G. Shankar, the trustee, said: “Our trust is involved in various activities to help poor people. We will donate Rs. 12 lakh to Manipal University, annually, to treat needy patients in general wards.”

Pro-Chancellor of Manipal University H.S. Ballal said the university would welcome donations. “Many donors think that we are big people which is not true. We are open for donations,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Rajasekharan Warrier and Registrar G.K. Prabhu, were present.