Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital: A Multispecialty Healthcare Facility in South Dumdum, West Bengal

Introduction
Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital in South Dumdum, West Bengal, is a full-fledged multispecialty hospital that focuses on providing affordable medical care. Established with the mission of serving economically disadvantaged sections, the hospital offers indoor and outdoor patient services. Since its inception, the hospital has committed to delivering quality healthcare at minimal costs, targeting the lower-income population. This project by Gandhi Seva Sangha began in December 2010, with construction starting in October 2012 and a targeted completion date of August 15, 2014.

Location and Accessibility

The Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital is strategically located in the Shreebhumi-Laketown area, on the outskirts of North Kolkata. This prime location ensures accessibility for nearby slum areas such as Dakshindari and the colony areas along the railway tracks near Patipukur. The hospital is well-connected by major roads, including VIP Road and Jessore Road. The Bidhan Nagar Railway Station is 2 km away, while the Belgachhia Metro Station is about 2.5 km. The hospital is also close to R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, which is about 3.5 km away.

Facilities and Services

The hospital is designed to offer comprehensive medical services in a phased manner. Its primary aim is to make healthcare affordable and accessible to economically weaker sections of society without compromising quality.

Diagnostic Facilities

The hospital provides various diagnostic services essential for accurate medical treatment. These include:

• CT Scan
• Digital X-ray
• Ultrasonography with Colour Doppler
• Cardiology Diagnosis (TMT, Halter Study, Echocardiography, ECG, and Spirometry)
• Modern Laboratory Services

These facilities ensure that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses, aiding in effective treatment plans.

Specialized Medical Wards

The hospital offers multiple wards to cater to different medical needs:

• Geriatric Ward
  Focused on providing specialized care for the elderly, this ward is equipped to handle age-related conditions.
• Gynecology Wing
  The Gynecology Wing includes operation theatres, a labor room, and a separate gynecology ward. Additionally, it has a Neonate Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for newborns requiring specialized care.
• Surgical Unit
  The hospital has state-of-the-art operation theatres and post-operative recovery rooms. These units are designed to handle a wide range of surgeries, from minor to major operations.
• Critical Care Units
  The hospital offers critical care through Intensive Coronary Care Units (ICCU) and Intensive Therapy Units (ITU) for patients requiring immediate and intensive medical care.
• Pediatric Ward
  Specialized care for children is provided in the pediatric ward, ensuring that young patients receive age-appropriate treatment.
• General Ward
  Separate general wards for male and female patients are available for those requiring non-critical care.

Dialysis and Emergency Services

Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital also houses modern dialysis units for patients with kidney-related issues. Emergency services are available 24/7 to handle critical and life-threatening situations.

Additional Features

The hospital also boasts various additional facilities designed to improve patient care:

• Patient Lift
  An elevator ensures that patients can move comfortably between different floors of the hospital.
• 24-Hour Pharmacy
  A fully operational pharmacy is available round-the-clock, offering medicines at discounted rates.
• Utility Services
  Other utility services ensure that the hospital functions smoothly, maintaining the comfort and convenience of patients and staff alike.

Affordable Healthcare for All

The hospital’s services are targeted at the economically weaker sections of society, including low-income, lower-middle, and middle-class families. Beds are reserved at highly subsidized rates for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients and other referred individuals. However, there is no compromise on the quality of care provided, as the hospital adheres to the highest standards of service.

Proposed Rates

The rates charged by the hospital are significantly lower than those of private hospitals and nursing homes. They follow the guidelines approved by the Director of Health Services, Government of West Bengal. The hospital strives to keep costs affordable while maintaining a self-sustaining model without sacrificing quality.

Hospital Construction and Costs

The Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital project spans 36,000 square feet of built-up area for the hospital and an additional 3,025 square feet for utility services. The total assessed cost for the initial phase of the project is Rs. 12.5 crore. The hospital project is fully funded through donations from individuals, corporations, charitable organizations, and grants from MPs and MLAs. No loans from financial institutions are used, ensuring that the hospital operates as a fully charitable institution.

Tax Benefits and Foreign Donations

Donors contributing to the hospital project benefit from tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, Government of India. Gandhi Seva Sangha, which manages the hospital, is also registered under Section 12AA of the IT Act, allowing for tax-exempt donations. Additionally, the organization is approved to receive foreign donations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), enabling international contributions to support the hospital’s services.

Current Activities and Medical Services

Before the completion of the hospital, Gandhi Seva Sangha provided modest charitable medical services to the local community for over 40 years. These activities continue today, with an expanded range of services now available through the hospital.

Charitable Allopathic Clinic

The allopathic clinic operates six days a week and is staffed by senior doctors who voluntarily provide services. Patients pay a nominal fee of Rs. 20 per visit, and medicines are provided free of cost. The clinic serves around 500 patients each month.

Homeopathic Clinic

The homeopathic clinic operates three days a week, treating an average of 450 patients per month. Patients are charged only Rs. 10 per visit. The clinic is popular due to the expertise of its experienced doctor and the affordability of its services.

Eye Check-Up and Treatment

Eye check-up services are available twice a week, with a fee of just Rs. 5 per visit. These clinics are supported by the ‘Purva Kolkata Nagarik Parishad’ and offer free medicines, spectacles, and even minor surgeries. The eye clinic is widely regarded as one of the most successful charitable initiatives of the hospital.

OPD and Diagnostic Facilities

The hospital currently operates an Outpatient Department (OPD) with around 30 doctors across various specializations. Pathological and diagnostic services, including ECG and ultrasound, are available at affordable rates. Free blood tests and other diagnostic camps are regularly organized to reach more people.

Seva Nibas: Cancer Patient Care

In addition to hospital services, Gandhi Seva Sangha offers low-cost residential accommodations through ‘Seva Nibas.’ This facility provides cancer patients and their families with budget-friendly lodging while undergoing treatment in Kolkata. The 25-bed accommodation includes a refrigerator, common kitchen facilities, television, and recreational amenities such as carom boards and Ludo. Seva Nibas helps alleviate the financial burden on cancer patients and their caregivers, with all services made possible through public donations.

Educational and Cultural Initiatives

The hospital project is part of a larger social welfare initiative by Gandhi Seva Sangha, which includes educational and cultural programs aimed at the local community.

School

The Gandhi Seva Sangha Buniadi Primary and Madhyamik School serves students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Sponsored by the Government of West Bengal, the school provides scholarships and computer training for nominal fees, ensuring that students receive quality education.

Shishu Vikash Program

The Shishu Vikash program offers drawing and extracurricular activities to over 40 children every Sunday. This initiative helps underprivileged children grow mentally and physically, enriching their lives through cultural programs organized by the Sangha.

Library

The Gandhi Seva Sangha Library, with over 11,000 books, is one of the few libraries in South Dumdum open seven days a week. It serves as a vital educational resource for children and senior citizens, offering a wide selection of Bengali and English literature.

Contact Information

• Address: Dakshindari Road, Sreebhumi, Lake Town, South Dumdum, West Bengal 700048
• Phone: 033 2534 5579 / +91 9432 000260 / +91 9903321777 / +91 33 2521 4011
• Email: gandhisevasangha1946@gmail.com / goutam.saha52@gmail.com
• Website: https://gandhisevasangha.org

Conclusion

Gandhi Seva Sadan Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for the economically weaker sections of South Dumdum. Through its charitable medical services, the hospital delivers quality healthcare at affordable prices. With a dedicated focus on providing low-cost medical services, Gandhi Seva Sadan is helping bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility for underprivileged communities.