Since 1998, Amrita Hospital, Kochi has dedicated $105 million for free treatment, benefiting 5.9 million patients as of 2022.
As part of its Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Amrita Hospital announced its future vision, dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services to those in need. With a commitment of $3 million (₹25 crore), the hospital is expanding its annual expenditure for free treatment from $5 million (₹40 crore) to $8 million (₹65 crore) per year.
The comprehensive range of medical services covered within this budget include pediatric cardiology, renal transplant, knee replacement, bone marrow transplant, pediatric liver transplant, and fibroscan.
Since Amma established the institution in 1998, Amrita Hospital, Kochi has tirelessly served the community, having already dedicated $105 million (₹816 crore) for free treatment, benefiting 5.9 million patients as of 2022.
“Overall, the hospital has successfully treated more than 19.6 million people. The 25-year projects and plans will extend until May 2024, all driven by the steadfast belief in delivering high quality healthcare services rather than focusing solely on quantity,” stated Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice Chair of Mata Amritanandamayi Math.
“We have come this far, creating a transformative impact on the health scenario of Kerala.”
The Silver Jubilee Celebrations will commence with an inauguration ceremony on June 4th. Hon'ble Home Minister Amit Shah, Govt of India, will preside over the event, marking the beginning of the joyous occasion. Hon’ble Veena George, Kerala’s Minister for Health and Woman and Child Development, will also be present.
Shri Amit Shah will inaugurate a state-of-the-art research centre spanning 185,000 sq ft at Amritapuri, as well as another facility covering 96,000 sq ft adjacent to Amrita Hospital in Kochi. Amrita Hospital already conducts active and dynamic research, which includes the Research Centre at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, spanning 300,000 square feet.
"The upcoming expansion will build upon our existing research programs, focusing on genomics, nanotechnology, informatics, and cell biology. Furthermore, we are actively developing our 3D printing technology and AI machine programs through collaborations with various centres,” said Dr Prem Nair, Group Director of Amrita Hospitals, about the forthcoming research centre.
“Our research programs extend beyond individual institutions, as we proudly maintain over 300 international collaborations in clinical excellence, education, research innovations, and industry partnerships.
“These collaborations have enabled groundbreaking discoveries and the development of cost-effective, high-quality products, benefiting a larger number of patients. We are also planning to expand the peripheral outreach program in geriatrics."
As a gesture of appreciation, Amrita Hospital is honouring dedicated employees who have diligently served the institution for more than 20 years. Among them is Dr Krishnakumar R, a renowned Pediatric Cardiologist and recipient of Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Award for Excellence in Medicine and Healthcare.
"When I joined the department for child heart care, Amma's only instruction was to provide the best quality care for the poor. This deeply resonated with me, as I had grown weary of the commercialisation prevalent in private medical institutions. From there, our vision and mission grew grander,” he shared in reflecting upon his 25-year journey with Amrita Hospital.
“We prioritised research, expanded our courses, and developed cutting-edge technologies. The heights we have reached have far surpassed my wildest dreams. We have become a beacon of excellence in the field, with our students prominently placed in numerous heart centres across India.
“The level of satisfaction I have attained over the past 25 years is unparalleled, and I firmly believe I could not have achieved it elsewhere. It has been an extraordinary experience.”
Amrita Hospital, Kochi, was inaugurated on May 17, 1998, by the esteemed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since then, the hospital has achieved numerous milestones, spearheaded innovations, and embraced technological advancements, enabling the provision of high-quality healthcare to all.
PHOTO 1: In this photo from 1998 is one of the hospital’s founding physicians - Dr Prem Nair whose speciality is gastroenterology. Today he is Group Director of Amrita Hospitals in Kochi and Faridabad.
PHOTO 2: Dr Prem Nair, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, and Dr Krishnakumar R at a press meet this week.
PHOTO 3: With Amrita for 25 years, Dr Krishnakumar shared the heights the hospital has reached have far surpassed his wildest dreams.