VGM Hospital, Coimbatore, has partnered with the Rotary Club of Coimbatore East to launch the VGM Rotary Dialysis Centre — a world-class facility established through Rotary’s Global Grant and support from the VGM Foundation.
Located on the third floor of the hospital on Trichy Road, Coimbatore, this state-of-the-art centre is equipped with five cutting-edge dialysis machines and dedicated wards. The total project value is $59,000, of which $20,000 was sponsored by the VGM Foundation.
The new centre aims to provide affordable dialysis treatment to the public, especially underprivileged patients in need of critical renal care.
The centre was formally inaugurated by Rtn. Chella Raghavendran, District Governor of Rotary International District 3206, in the presence of Dr. Mohan Prasad, Chairman of VGM Hospital, Rtn. Rajasekhar, Past District Governor, Rotary 3206; Rtn. Vijay Krishnan, President of the club, and other esteemed guests.
In his welcome address, Dr. Mohan Prasad shared that the hospital has had its own dialysis ward for the past 16 years. This new centre, however, is dedicated to serving the general public.
“Since not everyone can afford the cost of dialysis, centres like the VGM Rotary Dialysis Centre play a vital role in offering critical renal care to underprivileged patients,” he noted. The centre will also offer services under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CM Scheme).
Dr. Suman, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Medical Director at the hospital, emphasised that although this is a charitable initiative, the dialysis machines and facilities are of high quality.
“The operational cost of providing dialysis is higher than the fees we charge. Despite that, we have fixed the cost between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 1200 per session,” he said. He further added that with more donors and Rotary Clubs supporting the initiative, the cost could be reduced even further.
Dr. Mithra Prasad, Director of Liver Transplant at the hospital, introduced the “Gift a Dialysis” program. Through this initiative, individuals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions can sponsor a dialysis session for a patient in need (Rs. 1000–1200). “This is a meaningful way for society to come together and support those in need,” she said.
