Medical relief

During the year 2005, 53 Zoroastrian patients benefited from treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi under the Soparivala Endowment Fund, notes an update in the August issue of What’s On, the newsletter of the Karachi Zarthosti Banu Mandal. Assessing each case as per the criteria and policy laid down, giving due consideration to the individual’s requirement, up to 70 percent of the treatment costs are borne by the Soparivala Endowment.

A subcommittee comprising Thrity Spencer and Kabir Akbar, patient welfare manager at AKUH, sanctioned assistance amounting to Rs 400,514 for the treatment of various illnesses and diseases such as renal failure, fracture of femur, unstable angina in the last year. Arrangements have been made whereby in case of emergency admissions during late hours deserving Zoroastrian patients may specify their intention to seek assistance from the Endowment Fund in the admission form itself. The subcommittee members have thereafter to be contacted within the next 24 hours to complete the formalities.

The Soparivala Endowment Fund at AKUH was established in 1995 through the benevolence of Noshir and Mehroo Soparivala to share in the treatment costs of those recommended high quality medical service. It commenced functioning in 1998 and till December 31, 2005 has served 106 inpatients and 137 outpatients of the Zoroastrian community by disbursing Rs 2.97 million, as per the report.