CIM-071 Renovation of PHC TB Ward, Sangareddy on 25^th May, 2014

About CIM (Giving back is essential)

Lead India 2020 Foundation (www.leadindia2020.org) partnered with McGraw-Hill Financial (www.mhfi.com) the company which strongly believes in the motto, 'Giving back is essential'. It extends to giving back to the society. This year MHFI has launched Community Impact Month (CIM) in which 20+ employees would be working together and for solving public problems in their community. MHFI grants $2000 per project and employees spend their personal time on the project. This year S&P Capital IQ (part of MHFI group) (www.capitaliq.com) employees applied for projects from various areas. These employees are working tirelessly to fulfill the motto and render true meaning to 'Giving back is essential'.

About PHC TB Ward Sangareddy:

Implementing and monitoring health activities is done by DMHO office for the institutions under Director Public Health & Family Welfare ( 536 Sub Centers , 67 PHCs , 2 CHCs- Ramayampet & Kohir, 4 Urban Health Centers and 3 UFWCs.) DMHO monitors these activities through 10 CHNCs headed by Senior Public Health Officers (SPHO). Monitoring private hospitals, Clinics, labs and scanning centers under PCPNDT is also under the purview of DMHO.

In India Government Hospitals play vital role. Major cities are having Area Hospitals but at villages level Primary Health Centers play key role. Below Poverty Line families depends on these Primary Hospitals. In MEDAK district there are around 536 sub centers, 67 Primary Health Centers, 4 Urban Health Centers. These Primary Health Centers are facing problems with basic needs and patient’s doest have hygienic environment. Some health centers do not have proper labor rooms for delivery cases. Following are PHCs primary responsibilities.

Current problems at PHC, TB Ward:

As a part for CIM project, we took up renovation and rebuilding of TB ward in Sangareddy PHC hospital. The situation was pathetic for the patients who sit outside whole day as they were not able to withstand the depleting state of the rooms. We visited and evaluated the ward on May 1st week. The TB ward consists of two wings. It is also accompanied by the OP room. Both were in deplorable conditions required our immediate attention. Following were the requirements required:

1. Plastering/Distemper: The whole roof was leaking with seepage which caused the patients to sit outside in the event of rain. In addition to that the roof was furthered dampened by the over running over head tank which the in-charge always forgot to close.

2. Painting: Due to seepage in roof and walls the paint had completely come off from the walls. It needs to be distempered and re-painted again.

3. Windows and Grills: Almost all the windows and the grills are broken and needs to be repaired. It causes no protection from rain and dust what so ever. Being a TB ward it is absolute essential.

4. Toilet sewage pit: The sewage pit which was present at that time was overflowing directly behind the TB Ward’s right side wing. That is where patients stay. It has become house for many disease carrying animals like pigs and rodents. The toilets are in pathetic situation as well.

5. Electrical repairs: The whole 5,000 sq feet TB Ward had at maximum of 4 fans for 50 bedded capacity. The wires were dangling everywhere with no repairs. There was no bulb outside.

The change and the volunteer work:

We have done the following activities in this project:

1. Got repaired Roof Leakages & Cracks in Walls of one side of the ward by laying baby chips and cementing them with 2 layers. Now there is no seepage from the roof.

2. Got walls distempered with emulsion, made them apply primer and then apply two layers of paint over it. The seepage is still there because of the careless over run of water in the tank overhead.

3. Got a new septic tank built with 4 rings capacity. Now the problem of sanitation at the backside is no longer present.

4. Got new fans, tube lights and front porch light. Now the patients are free to move outside at night. They feel more comfortable in summers.

Our volunteer work on 25th May, 2014 included following activities:

1. Cleaning the premises: We cleaned the whole premise in front of the TB Ward. We covered the unnecessary open water bodies with mud.

2. Plantation: We bought 10 trees out of which we planted 5 of them. The remaining 5 were given to local authorities for planting.

3. Interaction with patients: We interacted with patients. Listened to their problems and suffering. Guided them on how to improve their sanitation to live their lives in a better way.

4. Helping hospital staff in giving essential medicines to the hospital which included two nebulizers, 12 protein x powder, 12 mugs and various snack items.

Impact of volunteer work at PCH, TB Ward:

1. We were able to stop the seepage on the roof of one part of the ward. The patients no longer are needed to sit outside whole day.

2. We got wall distempered and painted giving a better livable ambience in the ward for the patients to stay.

3. We got new septic tank constructed which made the premises at the backside of the ward less infested with rodents and maintaining cleanliness at the same time.

4. We fixed more number of fans, tube light and front porch bulb which made lives of the patients much more comfortable.

5. We distributed essential medical supplies which the patients there could not afford and needed in dire situation.

FEEDBACK OF VOLUNTEERS:

Adithya V.R. (Project leader):-This is one of my first large scale renovation projects. The renovation of TB Ward was nothing less than challenge as there were limited funds and innumerable things to repair as the place was in desolate condition. We took up important issues which were leaking ceiling, painting of the walls and electrical repairs. With our limited resources, we could only work on phase of the TB Ward. Not only that, we also worked on improving the sanitation by re-building the compost pit again. Place being very far, all my major responsibilities were shared between me and Ghalib, who is local of that area. The volunteer’s day was a success as we could carry out many activities like distributing snacks to the patients, planting saplings, cleaning the premises. I hope I have done a good job in bringing change in people’s lives that uses the TB Ward.

Ghalib (Project co-leader):-It was incredible fun interacting with many fellow colleagues on the volunteer’s day. The enthusiasm they all showed in taking part in cleaning the surroundings, planting saplings and distributing snacks was communicable. It felt good to invest a little time for them to help make change in someone’s life. Mrs. Padma was awesome as well, and I’d definitely be looking forward to being part of more such volunteer initiatives in the future.

Abhilash:- I worked on behalf the CIM project “PHC TB ward renovation at Sangareddy”. It’s very delightful to work with the project for a good cause. The Organization is doing a splendid job in encouraging the employees to work for such good projects. The whole team worked whole heartedly for the betterment of the PHC TB Ward at Sangareddy.

We cleaned the surroundings, distributed snacks and medical equipment to patients and planted saplings in the campus. I need to thank the Organization for allowing me to participate in such projects where I have gained new insights and new friends.

Sruthi:- Its feels great when we personally help someone. It was an inspiring trip to Sangaredddy hospital. We cleaned the surroundings and planted trees. We distributed amenities to people there. This visit motivated me to help needy people.

Sanjeytha:- It was an awesome experience that I ever had. I am happy that I was able to spend quality time with TB patients and the doctors working there. We discussed many things about cleanliness and how to avoid many diseases. I am really happy that I could take part in such a wonderful event.

Animesh:- One of the most impressive things about this ward is that it has an medical body to look after patient’s welfare. I believe inputs from our volunteers and guidance on sanitation and cleanliness have opened their minds. I can notice that the PHC is making efforts to bring donors and improve the ward despites its bad situation. On the whole it was fruitful event organized by Adithya & Ghalib. Interestingly this project allowed me bond well with Ghalib and their team mates! It was delightful to be a part of such an event. I hope that we continue to support this ward.

Aishwarya LG:- Firstly, I would like to thank Prabhakar Rao of S&PCapital IQ for giving me an opportunity to serve the society and help many patients suffering from TB. I am very happy to be a part of this wonderful project, which allowed me to mingle with patients. Looking forward to participate in the projects of this kind.

Prashanthi Mamilla:- I think CIM is an awesome philosophy and should continue every year. Initially I was not happy to see the conditions of PHC at Sangareddy which didn’t even have proper sanitation but now I am so happy and thankful for CIQ management to provide such facilities, as well as to volunteers for their work. I'm proud to have been a part of it. I am sure that I will participate in such great events in future also. Volunteering is a great way to identify the problems in our surroundings and solving them.

Harsha Kolluru:- I am very glad to be a part of project at Sangareddy. It allowed me to mingle with colleagues as well as the project staff and share my thoughts. I am really thankful to CIQ Management for making me feel proud and satisfied. I have learned so much from PHC staff. Our project gives them strength to accommodate more needy people. Thanks to my team of volunteers.

Shailaja Kalivemula:- It is an eminent and very satisfactory experience. I got satisfaction in this project because we were able to provide basic necessities that are lacking in the PHC. Though this is my debut as a volunteer to a CIM event, it gave me immense pleasure to go and contribute to a healthcare facility in a remote area without many facilities. I thank Adithya VR & S&P Capital IQ for giving me this opportunity to contribute. I look forward to visiting more such projects in future.

FEEDBACK OF HOSPITAL STAFF:

Mrs. Padma (District medical officer):- The work done by S&P Capital IQ is worth appreciating. Mr. Adithya, from day one has been active in his participation. He and Mr. Ghalib dutifully came many times a day to see what all problems were present in our TB Ward. With their budget constraints they were able to take up renovation of roof, painting, and electrical repairs of the left ward. In addition to that they were also able to take up re-building of Compost pit to improve sanitation. I was very happy and satisfied to see them carry out complete work without asking even single help from our staff. I could not be present at the volunteer’s day but Mr.Adithya along with Mr.Ghalib handled the press meet and the volunteer works very smoothly.

Mr. Chennaiah (TB Ward in-charge):- I truly liked how people of SP Capital IQ worked with us to solve many of our problems which we face at TB Ward. Most important problems being leaked roof and bad sanitation. Mr. Adithya and Mr. Ghalib made sure that these problems were taken care of. On the volunteer’s day all the people from office came, who helped us by planting saplings, distributing snacks to patients, and cleaning the surroundings.

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