Date:04/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100460160900.htm

Tamil Nadu

New equipment for Katpadi health centre

Special Correspondent

USAID gesture will help to improve the quality of service

Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

FOR BETTER SERVICE: U.S. Consul-General in Chennai David T. Hopper (second from left) at a function at the School of Nursing of Schieffelin Institute of Health-Research and Leprosy Centre, at Karigiri near Vellore on Wednesday. Abraham Joseph, centre director (left), is also seen. —

VELLORE: U.S. Consul-General in Chennai David T. Hopper dedicated equipment worth $300,000 to Paul Brand Integrated Health Centre, Katpadi, an outreach hospital run by Schieffelin Institute of Health-Research and Leprosy Centre (SIHRLC), Karigiri, on Wednesday.

They were funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Gadgets

The gadgets include STAT Fax (Biochemistry Analyser), haematology analyser, colorimeter, colour ID card printer, anaesthesia ventilator, cardiac monitor, short-wave diathermy, traction unit, tilt-table, C-arm (image intensifier), power instruments, slit lamp, electro-cardiogram (ECG) machine, cardiac and vital functions monitor, dental equipment and computers with uninterrupted power system. The USAID provided funds through a grant under the programme of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA).

The equipment will help improve the quality of service at the health centre and at the SIHRLC.

Speaking later at a formal inaugural ceremony organised by the School of Nursing of the SIHRLC at the training unit auditorium, Mr. Hopper said the USAID has already provided grants to the tune of $500,000 to the SIHRLC under the ASHA programme during the last several years.

Mr. Hopper said he was happy that the gadgets, especially those meant for leprosy patients, were put to good use.

Abraham Joseph, SIHRLC director, lit the lamp.

Vathsala Sadan, chairperson, Board of Nursing Education, Christian Medical Association of India and Registrar and Professor of Community Health, College of Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore, delivered the keynote address.

Emiliammal Rajkumar, Principal, School of Nursing, SIHRLC, gave the charge to the class.

Gift Norman, deputy director, SIHRLC, proposed vote of thanks.