Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Centre (SRHRC) is a remarkable institution that has been making a profound impact on the healthcare landscape in South Gujarat. SRHRC, with a legacy of 19 years in rural healthcare, has become a beacon of hope for underprivileged populations in the region. Since 2004, they have served over 2 million patients, providing them with access to high-quality medical care.
In 2022, SRHRC’s new 250-bed facility was inaugurated by PM Modi to bridge the gap between global medical innovation and local accessibility. The institution, founded under the inspiration and guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, a spiritual luminary and global humanitarian leader, is driven by genuine compassion and care for those in need.
Ajay Doshi, Treasurer-Trustee, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and SRHRC in an interaction with Kalyani Sharma talks about SRHRC’s mission and vision, current services and future plans
Can you elaborate on the mission and vision of SRHRC and how it aligns with the healthcare needs of South Gujarat’s underprivileged populations?
SRHRC is an initiative of Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC), the benevolent humanitarian service organisation founded by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. In 2004, Pujya Gurudevshri, upon the request of local tribals, decided to open a small hospital. Over the years, as we realised that the rampant poverty, illiteracy, and medical ignorance meant that thousands of lives were perishing to diseases, the scope of the hospital was increased. It grew to an 80 bed hospital, and then a 100 bed hospital.
To cope with the burgeoning medical needs of this impoverished region, a new ultramodern hospital, SRHRC was founded in August 2022 and inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the presence of Pujya Gurudevshri. The hospital is a 250-bed multispecialty hospital that brings about a revolution in rural healthcare.
SRHRC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the underprivileged populations of South Gujarat. Its mission is to bridge the gap between global medical innovation and local accessibility, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society receive the care they need. The hospital’s vision is to be a center of excellence in healthcare, research, and education, serving as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged communities it serves.
How has the inauguration of the new 250-bed facility enhanced the hospital’s ability to fulfill its commitment to bridging the gap between global medical innovation and local accessibility?
SRHRC stands as a 250-bed multispecialty hospital, meticulously designed by leading Hospital Architect Hosmac to cater to every major clinical need and equipped with the best facilities after thorough consideration. It goes beyond mere bed count, encompassing a comprehensive survey of the local ecosystem to fulfill all healthcare requirements in the region. Despite being situated in a rural setting, SRHRC offers a breadth of major specialties comparable to metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Surat, or Ahmedabad-all conveniently housed under one roof.
Addressing the common challenge faced by small nursing homes or State Government Hospitals, SRHRC spread over 200,000 sq feet ensures access to the latest specialties, high end medical equipment and competent doctors, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare. The commitment extends to bringing global innovations, featuring top Indian doctors like Dr Shekhar Bhojraj, one of India’s leading spine surgeons, and doctors from esteemed institutions such as Lilavati Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, Reliance Hospital, as well as international experts from the USA, Australia, Canada, and Sweden amongst others. What truly distinguishes SRHRC is not just its impressive infrastructure but the dedication of its staff, embodying the spirit of “seva” or service in action. Continuous training for excellence ensures that SRHRC remains at the forefront of compassionate, ethical and high-quality healthcare delivery.
Could you provide insights into the range of specialty divisions offered at the hospital and the significance of each in addressing healthcare challenges in the region?
SRHRC has rapidly evolved into a healthcare institution offering a diverse range of specialised medical services within a remarkably short span. The hospital’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation is evident in its comprehensive array of specialties, catering to a wide spectrum of healthcare needs.
The hospital offers a range of specialty divisions, each playing a crucial role in addressing healthcare challenges in the region. These divisions include cardiac surgery, cardiology, neurosurgery, spine surgery, joint replacement surgery, orthopedics, oncology, oncosurgery, pediatrics, and gynecology. Each division is staffed by highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to patients.
A significant milestone was achieved with the successful completion of the hospital’s first-ever Open Heart pediatric surgery, filling a crucial healthcare gap within a 100km radius. Moreover, the hospital has performed over 95 Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedures, showcasing expertise in cardiac care.
The surgery department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and globally informed care. The neurosurgical department has successfully conducted more than 225 intricate neurosurgeries and spine surgeries in the last 18 months, attesting to the hospital’s prowess in managing complex cases.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) boasts 33 beds and incorporates the latest technology, including Pediatric Ventilators, warmers, resuscitators, and incubators, HFNC, Cpap, Bipap reflecting the hospital’s dedication to providing specialised care for newborns.
In the Radiology department, 125 Slice CT Scan, 1.5 Tesla MRI, Digital X-ray, Mammography, BMD are the few cutting-edge machines and advancements sourced globally ensure precise and up-to-date diagnostics, further solidifying SRHRC’s commitment to leveraging the latest technology for patient welfare.
The District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) is first of its kind in India, setting SRHRC apart, offering prevention and rehabilitation services for children with various disabilities. Additionally, the hospital’s unique sensory garden caters specifically to children with neurological and sensory issues, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare.
The integration of robotics and aqua therapy into the physiotherapy department indeed provides a futuristic approach to treatment and rehabilitation for patients. These innovative techniques offer unique advantages that can enhance the overall effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions.
SRHRC stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare, providing a comprehensive range of services and achieving remarkable feats in various specialties. SRHRC’s commitment to quality care and continuous advancement is evident throughout its diverse departments and groundbreaking initiatives.
Being granted ‘First Referral Unit (FRU)’ status by the Government of Gujarat is a significant achievement. How does this designation enhance the hospital’s role in the healthcare ecosystem of the region?
The designation of SRHRC as the First Referral Unit by the government of Gujarat is a significant testament to the trust placed in our institution due to the outstanding work we consistently deliver. Our contributions extend beyond mere life-saving efforts; we are actively engaged in groundbreaking medical research and innovation.
At SRHRC, our approach to research is dynamic and forward-thinking. While our primary focus is on enhancing patient care, we concurrently strive to identify and implement superior techniques, modalities, and systems. Collaborations with government entities and esteemed researchers, such as Dr Arun Singh, exemplifies our commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements.
One noteworthy collaboration involved a comprehensive study on the effects of Delayed Cord Clamping. Our research revealed that waiting until the placenta is delivered before clamping the umbilical cord leads to significantly improved outcomes. The results of this study were published in the esteemed American Journal of Perinatology. Notably, the findings were not confined to academic circles; they influenced a change in public policy adopted by the government of Gujarat. This completed the loop of providing healthcare, conducting cutting-edge research, and affecting public policy change.
This transformative impact underscores SRHRC’s pivotal role in the healthcare ecosystem. Operating from a humble rural center in South Gujarat, we have become a beacon of medical innovation and research. Our ability to shape public policy and contribute to broader healthcare practices exemplifies the far-reaching influence that a dedicated institution can have on a regional and national scale
What does it mean for the hospital to enjoy a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC), and how does this status influence its operations and outreach efforts?
The parent organisation of the hospital, SRLC holds the prestigious status as the benevolent arm of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. Remarkably, it has been granted the special consultative status by the United Nations – ECOSOC.
This recognition signifies not only the acknowledgment of our impactful work but positions us as a leader in the global arena. The United Nations, ECOSOC doesn’t just commend our efforts; it seeks our partnership, valuing our input in shaping public policy, influencing positive change, and guiding the future of healthcare and its modalities. This status allows the hospital to participate in UN meetings and events, providing a platform to share its expertise and best practices with the global community. It also enhances the hospital’s credibility and visibility, enabling it to attract partnerships that further its mission.
The accreditation serves as an additional seal of approval, highlighting the global endorsement of our initiatives by a respected international organisation.
How does the hospital plan to continue innovating and expanding its services in the future to better serve the healthcare needs of the community it serves?
SRHRC’s guiding philosophy is refreshingly simple yet profound: identify the needs of the people and diligently work to fulfill them. This commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the community has propelled us into action on multiple fronts.
Recognising the difficulty faced by many underprivileged individuals in reaching the hospital, we initiated an impactful solution — a fleet of eight outreach vans. These vans traverse various villages six days a week, not only bringing medical professionals and paramedics but also incorporating educational tools like projectors and screens. The goal is to bring treatment to the doorstep of those who cannot make it to the hospital, and also to educate communities on essential healthcare practices, basic nutrition, and sanitation.
The Anemia Initiative stands out as another notable effort, where over 250,000 individuals have been screened for anemia. Those identified with the condition receive iron folic acid supplements and crucial education on maintaining optimal nutritional status.
In our pursuit of medical excellence, SRHRC has fostered robust collaborations with faculty from globally renowned institutions such as Stanford University, Yale College of Public Health, Harvard University, and Purdue University.
The unique distinction of being one of only five global sites where Stanford University sends its students for training underscores the depth of our partnership. Regular symposiums conducted by Stanford faculty have not only benefited our team but have expanded into a statewide event
Our association with the faculty from the Yale College of Public Health involves an Anemia Mitigation Program, while with Masimo Corporation, a leading health technology company in USA, we are actively engaged in testing a non-invasive hemoglobin measurement machine. These collaborations exemplify our relentless commitment to being at the forefront of medical innovation
Crucially, our commitment to providing world-class healthcare is evident in our efforts to ensure affordability and accessibility. Regardless of financial constraints, we strive to deliver high-quality healthcare, even providing services free of cost in many cases. Achieving NABH Accreditation within just a year of operation is a testament to our dedication. NABH accreditation has been achieved by fewer than 2 per cent of hospitals in India, and less than 0.1 per cent of hospitals in the tribal belt. This is our commitment to quality.
Within the first year, SRHRC has also introduced a range of super-specialties, covering cardiac surgeries, neurosurgeries, spine surgeries, knee and hip replacements, and oncology treatments. This dynamic approach aligns seamlessly with vision endowed upon us by Pujya Gurudevshri, ensuring that SRHRC continues to evolve and adapt to meet the healthcare needs of the community it serves. To quote Pujya Gurudevshri “Helping one person, you will not be able to change the whole world. But surely, you will change his whole world!”
kalyani.sharma@expressindia.com
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