Annual Letter (2019-2020) of Bangalore Baptist Hospital - Community Health Division

Annual Letter 2019-2020 Touching Two Million Lives

Community Health Division

Snapshot Health Care 60769

Patients Treated

46899

Health Education

21614

Home Visits

1231

Screened for Cancer

165

5823 Research 58 31 08

Surgeries Persons with Disabilities Served

Academics 1025

Postgraduate thesis protocols facilitated

National

Academic research analysed

International

ScientiďŹ c publications

Total Trained

All data relate to the period April 2019 to January 2020

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1053 02

Bounteous

Blessings

The ‘underbelly’ of Bengaluru is rarely exposed.

Approximately a quarter of the city’s population lives in 600 slums. Our Community Health and Palliative Care division reaches out to 12 major slums covering a population of one million and another million in the villages of Bangalore Rural District. It is a huge responsibility, yet a privilege. We are blessed to have a passionately committed team of 100 men and women.

Innovative steps like using virtual simulation videos for community education (in partnership with Baylor University), developing the non-communicable diseases tool kit (along with the University of Sheffield), conducting de-addiction programmes for women in rural areas (first such initiative in the State) and the launch of ‘Mercy Drops’ movement to help the specially abled have borne much fruit.

Palliative care coverage has expanded to entire Banglore rural district. Addition of developmental paediatrics, ophthalmology and dental units in Devanahalli has augmented the breadth of services.It has been a privilege to be part of a movement which makes a difference in people’s lives. A big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who have accompanied us in this fulfilling journey.

Dr. Naveen Thomas Director (CEO)

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WHEN THE

Leaders inspire …

Compassion, love, efficiency and excellence are synonymous with our leadership. They are our co-travellers in our journey to spread joy and opportunities to the poor. For being the pillar of support to all of us at CHD, while we revive and repaint the canvas of life for two million lives —we are endlessly grateful.

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Soc inclu ial sion

The poor are unwanted, unloved and uncared. Therefore, we are called to love and to be the tangible expressions of God’s love for the poor.

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When we invest in caring for the poor, we bring improvements in social and economic equity. As we reduce vulnerability, the community will restrict themselves from carrying out unlawful activities, thus creating safe and stable neighbourhoods.

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LING AND AN PURSUIT

for a By our deliberations, we are creating a value chain in which the poor can be included as clients on demand-side and providers and entrepreneurs on supply-side. This value chain will augment the community to enhance income, ability to purchase healthcare and education, improve the standard of living, and gain voice and opportunity.

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Pursuing a

Higher CALLING We believe that men, women and children should be able to enjoy good health, pursue quality education, celebrate a safe and nurturing environment. In a world of stark inequality, our vision of ‘Healing and wholeness in the spirit of Jesus Christ’ is bold. We dream of a healthier, safer and happier communities.

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Fulfilling our dream requires relentless pursuit of purpose, infectious optimism, tireless commitment, audacious yet weighted risks and radical interdependence. Each year is a chapter of new ideas, new successes, new failures, new learnings as we journey with people towards our vision. We are still dreamers yet more realists than ever before.

Let's surround the people that we serve with messages of hope, resilience, love and compassion because the poor cannot heal in isolation— together we grow.

Dr Carolin Elizabeth George Acting Head - Community Health Division

Mother Teresa Hospital (MTH)

WHEN THE HOSPITAL GOES TO THE VILLAGES “If we cannot go to a hospital, it comes home,” wisecracks a man about MTH in Devanahalli.

“We heard from Raja, our healthcare worker about Thirumala’s severe knee pain,” says Dr Priya who oversees MTH. “Our assurance and treatment filled their hearts,” opines Dr. Manoranjan who treated Thirumala.

“I know that you will come. I told my husband that ‘we have hope’,” Thirumala’s wife said with a note of relief.

3530

1848

1479

203

People Treated Women

Men

Children

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Disha PROMOTING HEALTH & FOSTERING HOPE IN SLUMS

Laughter, is the medicine Our Health Centre at DJ Halli slum, in addition to providing treatment, is a hub for the community to share a joke and pour out their daily dramas in life. Comforting them with our healing touch, warm smiles and medicines make our day worthwhile.

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FROM CANCER TO

CATWALK Diagnosed with cancer at a time when her marriage was finalised, 26-year-old Fia fought back. From surgery to trecovery, we saw only a smiling Fia. Recently, she chose to walk the ramp at an event in the slum. “Don’t I love walking the ramp? How did I do? I have seen on television how the models walk. I think I did well,” her babbling goes on.

For us, the medical team, it was the joy of bringing back ‘Fia’ to Fia!

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AND WHEN THE WATER GUSHED In the salmon-packed Rachanahalli slum, Begum, squatting with a group of women, smiles and raises her voice over the sound of running water. “This has completely changed our lives”, she tells us. “We now don’t walk long distances with the heavy pot on our head,” squeals another. They all nod enthusiastically—“Arre-yes.”

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ABOUT THIS STORY We provide primary healthcare through our health centres and mobile clinics in the slums. Through our holistic healthcare approach, we engage the communities to build opportunities.

23371

Patients treated

132

Awareness programmes

562

Slum home visits

FASHION DESIGNERS IN SIGHT Many women, who earlier only thought about the next meal, feel their horizons have expanded. The training in tailoring has given them hope, conďŹ dence and assurance that they can do much more with life.

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Smile

ON WHEELS BARITONE,

in a crystal-clear upstream 13-year old Akshay, with joy and relief writ large on his face, celebrated his new-found crystal-clear voice in a stream. "My voice was different. At school, friends bullied, and my breathing sound was a nightmare to all in the night," recalled Akshay. A visit to our mobile clinic and a surgery at BBH did the magic to shower him a rich baritone.

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About this story Using a van equipped with diagnostic (laboratory, ECG) and treatment facilities, a health team consisting of doctors, nurses, a laboratory technician visit rural villages and urban slums to provide quality medical care at subsidised rates.

13123

Patients Treated

140

Rural Clinics

109

Urban Clinics

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Making melodies,

TOGETHER

Building relationships with the community is at the heart of what we do. And that's how 'Jakkur Clinic" was born. "We need a clinic at Jakkur.

Private clinics and hospitals are expensive. I have walked up to many hospitals with this plea but failed. So, I have come to you," appealed Srinivas (a community member from Jakkur), to our CEO, Dr. Naveen Thomas.

That was in 2016.

"In the beginning, we handled our registrations under a tree," Dr Shon reminisces.

"Today, our Jakkur clinic boasts of many facilities. We recently added a new note to our "Making melodies, together"; a cardiology unit at Jakkur clinic," he says with a sense of pride.

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BASS TO SOPRANO 2020

Cardiology unit to save hearts

2018

Ophthalmology unit to restore foggy visions

2017

Dental unit to bring smiles galore

2016

Jakkur clinic gets off the ground

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Empower CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY Shashank, in full swing "Amma, look - now I can jump, run, play just like my friend Raja", cried out the 8-year old Shashank after a few tries of the artificial leg provided by us. After Shashank lost his leg in an accident, he missed school and all the fun. “To see him back to himself, it’s a miracle and soul-stirring,” his mother professed. t

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Three sisters, on a wheel of change

Kamala, Uma and Manjula smile often now and are slowly stepping out of the house, even in a bullock cart. They enjoy the visibility. “I stand as a guardian,” says Venkatesh who is married to Kamala. In fact, she’s the only one who’s married.

The three sisters are mentally challenged.

A visit and an assurance that there's someone to listen and connect moved this famlly from tears to laughter. "Having a toilet at home is a blessing,"sighs Kamala. "You're the first to help us. Your closeness is magical," spurts an enthusiastic Venkatesh. This magical connect gave them courage to step out and be visible.

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About this story A collaborative project with the Directorate of Empowerment of Senior Citizens and Differently-abled, Government of Karnataka, the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre helps an estimated 40,000 differently-abled and their families in Bangalore Rural District through a multi-sectoral approach that addresses health, education, livelihoods, empowerment and social needs. We are also dreaming of a BBH Centre of Excellence in Devanahalli to cater to people with special needs.

202 Children received early intervention therapy

571 Assistive devices distributed 55 Modified Toilets

20 Livelihood Initiatives

15900 PATIENTS TREATED Ankit has more time to study and play. Now, I don't have to disturb 265 RURAL CLINIC him to help me using the toilet," says Ramaiah.

152 URBAN CLINIC 20

Mercy Drops Mercy Drops, an initiative of BBH inspires and celebrates the culture of sharing. Run by a team of like-minded people, volunteers and staff of BBH, it’s a step to reinforce the goodness of giving back to the society. Mercy Drops creates an avenue for anyone to drop used assistive devices or contribute to new devices. A needy in the community is matched with a giving hand at BBH to promote ability.

Charan who is pictured, has spinal cord complications and is immobile. Mercy Drops donated an airbed to Charan to overcome bedsores and ease his pains. Now we are celebrating Charan. He is a mobile merchant, an able bread winner and a role model for the village.

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HER FEARS, UNTANGLED “I’m happy it’s over now. I am going to be fine,” Chikkagangamma says this for the umpteenth time.

Her smile is perpetual. She’s excited about her results after attending our Arogya Grama Cancer Screening Camp.

Fixated on attending regular check-ups, she is on a mission to encourage the women in her village to follow her. Refreshed and energised, she loves dressing up her daughter.

Arogya Grama

BUILDING HEALTHY VILLAGES 22

About this story Arogya Grama is designed to promote health and well-being among people living in rural areas. It aims to prevent illness, disability and deaths due to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer (breast, cervical and oral), chronic lung disease and mental illness.

07

1231

Cancer Screening

No. of Camps

64

Awanress programmes

A Breather for Parijitha “ALL IS GOOD.�

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Learning 24

TO LEAD AND SERVE

Health entrepreneurs, STEPPING TO SAVE LIVES

Armed with a kit and lots of hearts, these women from poor communities are on a mission to take healthcare to the doorstep.

They touch lives; save the community from preventable diseases; gain respect, earn income besides healthcare experience.

About this story We developed a ‘toolkit’ with national and international collaborations to equip people in low-income economies to transform themselves as ‘skilled health entrepreneurs’. The toolkit enables them to screen blood pressure and diabetes independently, audited by our healthcare team and nurtured by a supportive ecosystem. It’s one of the many ways of ensuring sustainability.

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Restore

SHOWERING FRESHNESS TO PEOPLE ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL

A fresh sober

queen

Nobody had any hope on Bhairamma, including her son. Heartbroken over her husband’s tragic death, she doused herself with alcohol. “The best decision I took in my life was to attend the de-addiction camp. Now, two months in recovery, not only did I get my job back, but people in the village look at me differently, with lot of respect. And my son too,” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. Bhairamma's life is fresh and bright as the flowers that she plucks and packs every day.

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Hatching Happiness About this story A unique community-based model of taking de-addiction services to rural areas. The villagers have access to a free de-addiction service and counselling support by our trained team, at their doorstep.

“I kicked my son for not completing his homework. He fell apart and fractured his hand. But that did not stir my soul. You were God-sent saviours. The camp gave me a new life, a new look and a beautiful future,” said Venkatesh after saying “No” to alcohol after 20 years of addiction.

Now, his son is his joy.

A fresh sober queen

Community members, families, village leaders and other stakeholders actively participate in the overall running of this initiative.

Recently, we have initiated a programme to help women who are addicted to alcohol.

298 Attended Camps 1603 Individual Visits 1161 Family Counselling Visits 59

Cluster Meetings

58% Abstaining from Alcohol

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Palliative

Care

Cancer care in cities NESTED, IN COMFORT Bees have buzzed around Mandal, stinging him all over his body. Yet he braved and continued harvesting honey to support his family. “All that pain is nothing compared to this debilitating pain of cancer,” a devastated Mandal shared his agony with Dr. Amy. Though no curative options, we could relieve his pain with medicines. “I am eternally grateful,” said Mandal, his eyes brimmed with tears. Now mostly pain-free, Mandal spends his days under his tent with his family and the 100-odd tribe standing by him.

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About this story Our multidisciplinary palliative care team provides medical, nursing, psychological and spiritual support to people with terminal illness at the comfort of their homes. Clothed with sensitivity, empathy and competence, the team of doctors, nurses and counsellors work to improve the quality of life of patients in their last days of life.

2025

Total Patients

486 1017

Bereavement Visits

Home Care Visits

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Cancer

Care IN VILLAGES Sealing pink “You’re my lifeline”, Ratnamma’s eyes do the talking. When Dr Ravi and his team met her on an earlier visit, she needed two people to help her sit or stand. "Look at me; I can sit comfortably today. You helped me restore my fighting spirit," remarked Ratnamma.

She’s cheerfully fighting her cervical cancer.

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PAINTING DELICATE PASTEL HUES “We found Narayanaswamy on his bed, wincing in pain with oral cancer,” the palliative care nurses narrated us the story.

“We treated him and cleaned his wounds. To our surprise, after four months he sprang back. He walked a kilometer to show us his farm,” said the nurses. You seem happy?,” one of the nurses asked affectionately. “I am,” smiled Narayanaswamy, while enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of his farm.

3035

Home care visits

301

Bereavement visits

1605

Patients cared for

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Research & ACADEMICS A CONFLUENCE OF ASKING, LEARNING AND DOING...

We probe, question and innovate to improve patient care and health care culture. These insights bring efďŹ ciency in low resource setting, thus fostering hope to our communities.

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RESEARCH Number of postgraduate thesis protocols facilitated and approved: 58 Number of final thesis analysis completed: 31 Research methodology training: 4 Publications in peer reviewed journals: 8

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

MEDICAL TRAINING Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Family Medicine: Currently 16 students are undergoing post-graduate training.

Post Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine: Assisted Christian Medical College, Vellore in conducting training sessions.

Certificate course in the Essentials of Palliative Care (CCEPC) under the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC): 40 attended.

National Fellowship in Palliative Medicine/Nursing (NFPM/N) & IAPC student clinical posting: 17 completed.

Baylor University, Dallas, Texas, USA University of Texas South Western, USA University of Sheffield, UK University of Nottingham, UK Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands Maastricht University, The Netherlands University of New England, Australia

HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Gift Norman presented ‘Global Quality Framework for AT Service Provision’ at GReAT Consultation - World Health Organization, Geneva.

Dr. Carolin was the India Project Director for USIEF 21st Century Knowledge Initiative Grant to build research capacity through Indo –US partnership.

Palliative care team won the “Best Poster Award” at the International Conference of the Indian Association of Palliative Care.

University of New Castle, Australia

Dr. Srividhya was MRCGP examiner for South Asia.

Western Sydney University, Australia

Dr. Salma bagged the ‘Best outgoing post graduate medical student’ award.

Maynooth University, Ireland World Health Organization, Geneva

Conducted All India Research Methodology workshop for Post graduate medical students through National Board of Examinations (NBE).

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You make a DIFFERENCE!

Thank you for being part of our mission and journey; and for your continued prayers and support. This Annual Letter shows how your efforts have been blessed by God. You may have given a grant, donation, taken part in a fundraising event, volunteered at our project sites or “Liked” one of our posts on Facebook. Whatever way you’ve chosen to support us; we are more grateful than we can say.

You’re making a huge difference to many; so please keep doing it. Thank you!

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THANK YOU, FOR YOUR EXTRA MILE OF SUPPORT Baylor University Baptist Global Response Government of Karnataka Global Giving and all donors who donated through their platform International Mission Board Karnataka Bank Ketto and all donors who donated through their platform Kurian Abraham Pvt. Ltd Lorna Murray Operation Blessing International Dr Rebekah Naylor Samaritan Medical Outreach Mission Sasken Technologies Limited Tamarind Trust Tata Elxsi The staff of Bangalore Baptist Hospital The Good News Health Scotland Charitable Trust TK and C Memorial Trust

The Kurian Foundation

The University of ShefďŹ eld Thomas Abraham

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Hearts & Minds THAT TOUCH LIVES

THE JOURNEY OF THE PAST DECADE What comes to mind when I reflect on the past decade of leading the Community Health Division (CHD)?

A definite sense of achievement and fulfilment of dreams for one; dreams made possible by the goodness of God and His faithfulness. Answered prayers and miracles that brought joy, fun, excitement and love; what a journey it has been!

CHD has grown. From three staff members 10 years ago, we are now over 100 passionate people. Our programs have multiplied and new ones have come up to meet specific needs in the communities we serve. It is much more than a mere social service wing of BBH. It is now a professional department that combines service to the underprivileged with post-graduate (PG) training and research. Gone are the days when there were no takers for PG training in Family Medicine. Gone are the days when the few trainees were a disillusioned lot, often filling in for other departments when the need for extra hands arose. Today, doctors clamour for PG training in Family Medicine at BBH. We have gold medallists and Best Outgoing PG students coming out of our department.

The Research Department has now become a vital part of the institution. From early beginnings of setting it up, to establishing a governmentaccredited ethics committee, the journey has been exciting. Today it oversees and facilitates a number of departmental as well as international collaborative research studies.

I cannot help mentioning the contribution of my colleagues, who have supported me tirelessly in the pursuit of our vision. Our job was to dream and let God do the rest, and believe that, when motives are right, miracles happen! Who would have dreamt that the CHD would be housed one day in a beautiful 4000 sq. ft. space? Yet, that’s what happened. There have been many other miracles, but owing to limitations of space, I must refrain from spelling them out here.

And there have been many lovely people whom I’ve come to know at BBH. I thank all of them for being with me through thick and thin and making life beautiful and worthwhile.

"To dream is one thing, but to chase that dream till it becomes a reality is another". When vision and mission merge it produces something profound.

This is what my experience in CHD has been. To God goes the credit - bringing like-minded people together, for opening doors that we thought would never open, for giving us the energy to envision the vision and pursue the mission, endowing us with the resources needed....the list is inexhaustible.

As I pass the mantle to my younger colleagues, I am confident that the journey will continue, and much more achieved. I pray that God will continue to shower His blessings on the CHD and BBH. Dr. Gift Norman Head, Community Health Division (2009-2020)

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Simplicity AT BEST

Do you experience inevitable hassles of a large hospital? Can we give you a nest of comfort?

A one-stop centre with a myriad of functions: medical treatment, chit-chat about prevention, efďŹ cient gatekeeper to assess if you need emergency care.

That's our Express Clinic.

Total Patients

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4328

Lives in ‘Frames’;

STORIES IN ‘ SCROLL‘ In the 'Making of our Annual Letter', we have journeyed and captured beautiful and heart-warming stories and frames that moved us to tears and smiles. In all this, there's an invisible and unbreakable thread that ties us to the poor. This journey will be in our hearts forever.

CREDITS Concept, content writing and edits: Ranjini Victor & Dr. Carolin Elizabeth George Photo credits: Shivananda, Jai Prakash & Uday Daniel Layout & Design: Trizone Info Solutions

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Community Health Division Bangalore Baptist Hospital Bellary Road, Hebbal Bangalore 560 024 : 91-80-22 02 420, 99 72 156 838 Email :carolin@bbh.org.in www.bbh-chd.org/bbh.org.in

Bangalore Baptist Hospital is a non-proďŹ t organization registered under Section 12A of the Indian Income Tax Act. All donations made are eligible for exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. The Hospital is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976 for all foreign contributions.