Tag: Guru Namana

Over 100 retired teachers from rural backgrounds in Karnataka to benefit from free joint replacement surgeries

This long standing initiative by SPARSH Foundation is a tribute to school teachers who have devoted their lives to educate the next generation

Bengaluru, 5th September 2023: SPARSH Foundation, the charitable wing of SPARSH Group of Hospitals, organised the 14th edition of Guru Namana, a social initiative to provide free joint replacement surgeries to 100+ retired school teachers hailing from rural areas from across Karnataka.

The inauguration ceremony of the 14th edition of ‘Guru Namana’ took place on September 5th at the SPARSH Hospital Auditorium, located on Infantry Road in Bengaluru. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Government Of Karnataka. Other notable attendees included retired teachers who have previously undergone knee replacement surgeries under the Guru Namana initiative, as well as those selected for this year’s program. The event was presided over by Shri Justice Shivaraj V Patil, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India. On the occasion, he also launched SPARSH Foundation’s new website sparsh-foundation.org

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent form of arthritis and a leading cause of chronic disability globally. Estimates suggest that 60% of individuals over 65 years old suffer from symptomatic OA, and over 180 million people in India are affected by this condition. Although osteoarthritis is curable, the treatment, which involves Total Joint Replacement surgery, is expensive and not easily accessible.

SPARSH GURU-NAMANA was launched in 2010 with an aim to identify retired teachers who are in need of joint replacement surgeries but are unable to undergo the surgery due to financial constraints and lack of access to these treatments. Without these surgeries, they have difficulty moving and they experience a notable decline in their overall quality of life. One such story is of Arvind Kale (name changed), a 70 year old teacher for whom teaching was less of a job and more of a purpose. After teaching for 28+ years, Mr Kale had great difficulty in walking, moving and to even take a few stairs to reach his pension office. Similar is the story of many retired teachers across the country. SPARSH’s Guru Namana program is aimed at helping teachers like Mr Kale regain mobility and make them independent again. Till date, Dr Sharan Shivaraj Patil along with his team have impacted the lives of 800+ teachers by making free joint replacement surgeries easily accessible to those in need.a

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister of Medical Education anda Skill Development, Government Of Karnataka, said, “This is a commendable initiative froma SPARSH Foundation and Dr Sharan Shivaraj Patil. Knee pain and arthritis can be debilitating and it can be overwhelming physically and emotionally. A noble gesture like this not only improves the quality of life of the teachers but also transforms their overall health and outlook towards life. We need more initiatives like this and I would like to encourage doctors and healthcare institutions to come forward to adopt social impact initiatives similar to Guru a Namana

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman, SPARSH Hospital, said. “Teachers are the foundation for education and good citizenship. Their role in shaping young minds and the future of our country is invaluable. Guru Namana is an initiative to celebrate the selfless contribution of our teachers and help those who genuinely need our support. At SPARSH, we believe that quality healthcare and life-changing treatments like knee replacement should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background and financial standing. Our Guru Namana initiative is a step towards achieving that vision”

“Year after year, Guru Namana has garnered tremendous support and it has impacted the lives of many. I invite the medical fraternity to join me in this campaign and make a difference in thea lives of those who need it the most. Most of us today have been fortunate enough to have access to education, a professional career, and many other privileges, but we have not necessarily used a them to make a significant impact. We have the privilege to utilise the resources and opportunities we have been given to make a meaningful difference in the world.” he added..

Eligible retired teachers will undergo Joint Replacement Surgeries at no cost. A dedicated team comprising operating surgeons, theatre staff, nursing staff, paramedical staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dieticians, all operating under the umbrella of SPARSH, will offer their services without any fees. This also includes comprehensive post-operative care for as long as required.

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