Fluorescent Microscope Project at Voluntary Health Services Hospital (VHS) Through Rotary Grants and Collaborations
On Nov 21st, Rotary District Governor Dr
Nandakumar inaugurated the use of the Fluorescent microscope at the VHS
hospital—The donation was an outcome of excellent collaboration between two
Rotary Clubs—Rotary Club of Madras South and Rotary Club of Campbell Town
Australia as well as leveraging Rotary International's Global Grant Program to enable Advance Technology for identifying Fungi and reducing Turnaround time in the process of identification.
During the testing times of the
Pandemic, most Rotary Clubs had swung into action, trying their best to help –
the Rotary Club of Campbell Town was no different. The club was worried about
the rising cases, especially in India. Rtn Babu Kanagasabai of RC Campbell Town who has roots in
India wanted to help. He urged his President for a fundraising program and he
lead the effort with a Fundraising dinner—Rtn Babu was also clear that the
money had to get to India and the need to raise at least 25000 $ to help
qualify for a Global Grant Project. A Partner Rotary club in India had to be identified for the Global Grant Project.
Rtn Babu , during one of his visits to
India, had attended a weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Madras South ( RCMS
) and was impressed with the history and the projects done by the Club. It was
a no brainer to him as to who the Indian Rotary Partner would be for the
project. Rtn Renjit Joseph connected with Rtn Babu and indicated that RCMS will
match $ for $ !... The Fundraising dinner went well and the kitty was ready.
But by this time, Covid had reduced its fury and cases had dropped. RCMS
was given the task to find out how best the monies can be used and related to
COVID treatment.
After due diligence, RCMS identified VHS
– VHS is a non-profit hospital doing great service and was ably
managed. The Pathology lab Chief Dr Priya put the need for a
Fluorescent Microscope.. now what does this equipment do to improve the
test result for COVID and fungus?
· Identification
of fungi within 15 minutes of receiving the sample in the laboratory ( Normally
this takes 24-36 hours ) So treatment can be started sooner
· Identification
of acanthamoeba in ocular specimens
· Testing
for autoimmune diseases:
- antinuclear antibodies profile
- anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies profile
Once the identification was done, the
Global Grant process was initiated – Rigorous work was done to ensure community
assessment was performed, bids were called for and L1 vendor were selected. The total estimate was arrived at
and with all information available, the project was uploaded into the GG site.
RI scrutinized the same ( Including general guidelines of three quotes , conflict of interest ) with their subject matter experts on medical equipment/Health care and once the SMEs
were happy with the way the process was designed and clear that it would
benefit the community, it was approved.
Post approval, Purchase orders were placed on
vendors – We had challenges in getting delivery due to the semiconductor
availability issue. But finally, everything fell in place and we have the
equipment ready and being used already.
On my part, I was happy to lead the effort of Collaborating with the Rotary Club of Campbell Town, Rtn Babu, VHS ( plenty of interactions / Discussion ), Rotary International ( Amazed at the diligence, digitilalisation and ease of process, workflow ), the District, RCMS and bring home the delivery of the project. More learning in terms of raising money, working through the Global Grant Project norms of Rotary International and securing approvals and delivering. ( Total value raised was US $ 33,784)...
Happy to see the Microscope in Action :)
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