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 :) 

 

Comments

Sahana said…
Super! Great initiative by both clubs! You’re always an inspiration Appa!
5:34 AM
S.K.Vadivelan said…
Thanks for sharing, Sri. Great effort! Thanks for sharing the governance process as well.
6:57 AM
Prasanna said…
Great Initiative Sri!! Thanks for Sharing
8:30 AM
Nalini Narayanan said…
Awesome initiative!!!
9:03 AM
SESHADRI said…
Excellent initiative and great effort by you and the project team, Srikanth. I was proud to be part of the inaugural event. Thank you.
4:08 PM
Gangapriya Chakraverti said…
Really inspired to read this. VHS is such a deserving organization.
11:43 PM
Partha said…
One more initiative from you and Rotary which will serve the community. Process is well described - looks simple but would have made it after the various challenges
4:19 AM
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