Medical Care – Just in time
Thirty-five year old Mrs. Selvi, a construction worker from Mannachanallur, was brought to the clinic by her husband one evening. Selvi was restless with pain. She was guided to the ward where she was laid down in a comfortable position and reassured by the staff nurse.

While the staff nurse was giving her shots of painkillers to lessen her agony,
Dr. Raja carefully gathered pieces of information about the source of her discomfort. Her husband mentioned that it was the third time she had such crippling pain. Dr. Raja then understood that she had an exaggeration of a chronic, untreated problem. Dr. Raja started examining the patient and diagnosed her condition as appendicitis, a surgical emergency. If not operated on immediately, the patient’s life could be in serious danger. Dr. Raja caringly explained urgency of the situation to Selvi’s husband.

Her husband didn’t know what to do because, like many of the community members in Mannachanallur, he didn’t have extra money. He didn’t have a way to pay for her transportation. He decided to take her back to the home as they had done before. By now, Selvi’s pain killers were wearing off.

Dr. Raja realized that if he didn’t intervene and help them, Mrs. Selvi would have more severe life threatening complications. He decided to drive them to the general hospital in HUT’s jeep. While on their way to the general hospital, the doctor contacted the emergency department and informed them about Mrs. Selvi’s condition and arrival time. She reached the emergency department screaming from her pain, but was quickly wheeled into an operating room for surgery.

A few days later, Mrs. Selvi came to the clinic again. This time, she came in full health, to thank Dr. Raja for is diagnosis and his quick response. Mrs. Selvi still comes for to the clinic for consultation, every time thanking Dr. Raja for saving her life.