New ICU block inaugurated at VHS

A new intensive care block sponsored by the TVS Group was inaugurated at Voluntary Health Services (VHS), Taramani, by industrialist and philanthropist Venu Srinivasan, chairman, TVS Motors.

Three modern ventilators were also donated by spiritual speaker and humanist Jaya Srinivasan on the occasion. M S Swaminathan, president, VHS, Dr E S Krishnamoorthy, honorary. secretary, VHS, Dr M Mathews, director (hospital), Dr S Janaki, director (clinical and academic affairs), Dr Joseph Williams, director (projects), apart from others, participated in the event.

M S Swaminathan said, “This will be the most affordable ICU in Chennai. Patients from lower income groups will receive the best of facilities during critical phases of illness at a lesser cost.”

He added, “Further, this ICU will have free beds for those below poverty line, in keeping with the vision of the founder Dr KS Sanjivi.”

Inaugurating the block, Venu Srinivasan recalled the TVS Group’s association with VHS over the years. He said, “I recall that our company had supported the establishment of an ICU in my father TS Srinivasan’s honour at VHS and that unit was inaugurated on August 25 1982. A marble plaque continues to mark that milestone. I am therefore happy that the TVS Group has had the opportunity to be associated with the development of this redeveloped ICU block, which I understand is contemporary in its design and will greatly enhance the life-saving capabilities of this institution.”

Jaya Srinivasan said, “As a middle-class person wishing to make contribution to deserving institutions, I was immediately directed to VHS. I was pleased to find that the organisation was willing to accept my contribution and put it to use for a specific purpose. I am sure that the three modern ventilators will serve the needy sections of the community.”

Dr Senthilkumar, Intensivist, made a brief presentation highlighting the salient features of the newly-inaugurated ICU. “VHS now has a 21-bed ICU with modern life-saving equipment, including four ventilators, six acute care beds, nine step down care beds, three infectious disease and three  special cubicles,” he added.