A significant step towards compassionate end-of-life care is set to begin on the outskirts of India's tech capital. A free 55-bed palliative care facility named 'Nemmadi,' meaning peace, will be inaugurated in Nelamangala on December 21. This initiative, born from the vision of a former IT worker and the generosity of numerous donors, aims to provide solace and dignity to those in the final stages of life.
From Corporate Stress to Social Impact: The Founder's Journey
The driving force behind Nemmadi is B.S. Nagarajan, who spent nearly three decades in the IT industry. While successful, his career left him with immense stress and little time for societal contributions. After retiring, he dedicated himself to researching meaningful causes and ultimately identified a critical gap in palliative care services in India.
His resolve solidified after a poignant incident at a hospital. "I witnessed a woman pleading with a doctor for a discount or financial aid for her husband, who was suffering from end-stage cancer," Nagarajan recalled. The doctor's refusal, coupled with the rationale that money was better spent on curing children, highlighted a harsh reality for terminal patients. This moment crystallized his mission to create a place where hope and care persist until the very end.
Nagarajan, who is the managing trustee of the Sukruthi Charitable Trust implementing the project, invested his own seed money to inspire others. "I knew I had to take the first step to get others to donate their resources," he stated, emphasizing that terminal illness often leads to despair not just for patients but also for their families.
Community Support and a Model of Free Care
The Rs 20-crore project is a testament to collective philanthropy. The venture gained substantial support from various charitable trusts and foundations, including Rotary Bangalore Midtown. A major contribution came from former MLC and film producer E Krishnappa, who donated 2 acres of land in Nelamangala for the centre.
Palani Loganathan from Rotary Bangalore Midtown explained the facility's core philosophy. "In India, most healthcare facilities are curative and very few are palliative... Our objective here is primarily pain management," he said. In a radical departure from typical hospitals, the Nemmadi centre will not have a billing counter, ensuring financial burden is eliminated for families during an emotionally taxing period.
Addressing a Critical Gap in India's Healthcare
The establishment of Nemmadi addresses a profound need in the healthcare ecosystem. The trust plans to tap into Bengaluru's corporate social responsibility (CSR) potential for future funding, aiming for sustainability and expansion.
This facility stands as a beacon for a more humane approach to medicine. It recognizes that when cure is no longer possible, care becomes paramount. By offering specialized, free-of-cost palliative care in Bengaluru's vicinity, Nemmadi promises to ease the physical pain of patients and the emotional and financial strain on their families, allowing individuals to spend their final days with peace and dignity.
