On April 28, 2022, a special 10-bed Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU), set up by Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Mandali — Tirupati (YSDM — Tirupati) at a Community Health Centre at Punganur, was inaugurated by Sri Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Minister for Energy, Forests, Environment, Science and Technology, Mines and Geology, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The devotees who played an active role in creating this healthcare facility, attended this inaugural event hosted by the Hospital Development Committee at Punganur, Andhra Pradesh.
Since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread in India, YSS has organised a number of relief activities throughout the country. A brief description about these can be read in a separate blog here.
Realizing the immense need to strengthen the health facilities for the treatment of children, and observing the successful impact of such PHDU wards set up by YSS in Ranchi earlier, YSDM — Tirupati undertook the conversion of a section of the local Community Health Centre at Punganur into a special 10-bed Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) ward. This project was started in the wake of the COVID-19 third wave in early 2022, which predicted a high risk for children.
The PHDU ward is now equipped with high-dependence monitoring units and semi-fowler beds connected to a dedicated oxygen supply. YSDM — Tirupati provided high quality equipment for the ward, which included multipara monitors to keep track of the vitals of the child; syringe pumps; nebulizers; a portable suction apparatus; an autoclave machine; special oxygen masks; wheelchairs; stretchers; instrument trolleys; bedside lockers, and screens.
YSDM — Tirupati undertook extensive renovations on the building housing the paediatric ward. Water-proof coating was applied to the roof to prevent seepage. A play zone was added adjacent to the ward. The nurses’ facility room was refurbished, and attendants were provided with induction heating plates. The toilets and bathrooms were also refurbished. The ward was given a complete face-lift with the addition of children-friendly paintings on the walls, electrical fittings, television, and air-conditioning.
Hon’ble Minister, Sri Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India and its members, in converting the modest hospital space into a high quality, technologically equipped ward, despite being located in a remote area. He said that this will go a long way in extending better medical facilities to children residing in the less developed areas of Punganur and its neighbourhood.
Sri N. Reddappa, Member of Parliament, Chittoor was invited as the Guest of Honour for the programme, and Dr B. Vengamma, Director cum Vice-Chancellor, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati was present as the Special Guest of Honour. Among the other guests were various officials of the Government and district administration.
A YSS devotee from YSDM — Tirupati, shared details about the organization’s focus on charitable activities. He also conveyed YSS’s gratitude at being provided with an opportunity to undertake this project for the benefit of the children of Punganur.
