Manipal: The Dr. G Shankar Family Trust came to the aid of 309 patients suffering from cancer and kidney ailments at a function here on Friday, October 5. The Trust, in association with Manipal Academy of Higher Education handed over cheques worth Rs 60 Lakh to 129 cancer patients, 154 kidney patients and another 26 patients from Dr. T M A Pai Hospital, Udupi. This was done on the occasion of the 63rd birthday of Dr. Shankar, a well-known philanthropist and industrialist in the district.
Handing over the cheques to support treatment of patients with cancer and kidney diseases, Dr. G Shankar said, “Undergoing preventive tests and early identification are the keys to survival.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ballal hailed Dr. G Shankar by calling him a real “Kodu Kai Daani” and added that providing benefits to the community is the best way to celebrate a birthday. He then wished Dr. Shankar a long life.
The Dr. G Shankar Family Trust has, several times in the past, provided financial support to the needy. Dr. Shankar also supports the Manipal Arogya Suraksha Card programme for the Mogaveera community and also includes the general public from select areas. The Trust has partnered with Kasturba Hospital, Manipal to offer subsidised dialysis for kidney patients and a large number of them are utilising the scheme.
The trustees of Dr. G Shankar Family Trust, Anand S K and Shankar Salian, welcomed the guests and introduced the beneficiaries. Jaya C Kotian proposed a vote of thanks and Babanna Shettigar, PRO, MAHE compered the programme.
Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, Dr. Pragna Rao, Dean, KMC Manipal, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and the office bearers of the Mogaveera Yuva Sangatne were present.
