1/1/2010

Greetings from Madurai,

In six short days I have experienced India in an extravagant, exhilarating and exciting way. The sights, smells, tastes and sounds have not only overloaded my senses but have brought my mind to new heights. I have viewed multiple things, anywhere from a cow walking with traffic to women bathing in the river. I am not only overwhelmed but I am exasperated by what India has to offer in such an unusual way. I do not know how it all fits together but in some way a grand mosaic is formed allowing for the population to grow (in more than one way) as well as function on all levels. The amazing thing about India is the fact that not only are the people kind, helpful and interested but they are very much clam and secure in their own workings. The people of India have shown me a whole new outlook on life. The way in which they do not hurry ANYWHERE or the way they try and earn a living. I am very impressed at how Indian people function in a society so faced paced but with a calm mind and soul. Today I was very impressed by the Eye Care Aravind Hospital located in Madurai. The hospital offers care to those who can pay, those who can not and others in CAMPS. The CAMPS are in a sense villages of rural Indian people who will have the assessment, treatment and evaluation due to their financial need and location. The hospital's vision was Productivity, Access and Sustainability. After reviewing and processing their vision, it seem reasonable and very accurate but none the less effective and efficient. The statistics are outstanding with 4,000 beds in 5 eye hospitals, 33 centers, 5-6 outreach camps along with 60% of the services for free eye care. Making eye care affordable and consistent through out India would be an ideal future goal. After going over this information I learned for the second time I have grasped the understanding of the HIGH VOLUME that is available and more importantly allocates for this production and processing to be functional. The two main facilities of the hospital are the Free and the Paying. The Free will pay a small fee for the stay but is minimal to that of the paying. The only difference between the two facilities is the room and the serviced offered. Those who pay receive a private room, bed, service and assistance from the staff while those not paying receive only their service and a mat on the floor. This was very disturbing at first but with further evaluation the social norm and care for people in Madurai is to sleep on the floor no matter class. I could not conclude any possible outreach program to conduct at this hospital considering the great success it has already had, the growing facilities and the progression already in place. I, although, was very impressed with the hospital and am more knowledgeable on what can be done with a vision and the mission of a community. Today was insightful but mostly exhilarating to know what can be done and that a difference can be made.