Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (Chola), the financial services arm of Murugappa Group, has collaborated with Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals to provide cardiac treatment and care to children of truck drivers, cleaners and mechanics from anywhere in the country.
Chola has pledged to support the surgical heart procedures on these children whose ages range from newborn up to 18 years with a total outlay of Rs132 lakhs towards the ‘Healing Little Hearts Programme’ during 2019 – 2021.
Arun Alagappan, MD, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited said, “Trucking is today one of the most important links that facilitate productivity and competitive efficiency, and plays a key role in bringing about the development of the remote regions by opening them to trade and investment and integrating them with the mainstream economy.”
Lives of truck drivers, cleaners and mechanics are adversely affected by inconveniences, poor facilities, and the absence of rules and regulations. This initiative is a small step from our end to bring some de-stress and happiness into their lives.”
Most of the trucking staff come from financially not-so-well-off backgrounds, and more so when it comes to healthcare costs for ailments beyond normal fever and cold. The cost for each of these procedures ranges anywhere between Rs 80,000/- to Rs 4,00,000/ in private hospitals. This gracious support from Chola is not just going to give a second life to these children but is going to uplift these families financially and socially,” Dr Subramanian Chellappan, Director, Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital- Palwal, Haryana said.
In India, every year, around 2.4 lakh children are born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) with this being one of the largest causes of child mortality. Truck drivers, cleaners or mechanics whose children have Congenital Heart Disease may approach Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals to avail of the free treatment.
