DONATE WISELY
“Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness” Holy Quran (5:1)
“Let’s be the hands that can wipe their tears. Our contribution can make a difference, Account No…. xx, Name: xxx. Branch: IFSC code: ….; R/O: …. Contact no…The last line confirmed the case.” Not a day passes when we don’t see such heart wrenching pics and appeals on social or print media. What is the solution? See it and forget, donate a little? As so many of us do, or wish to do something about it, institutionalize to channel these donations. When it comes to charitable giving, people want to know that their donations are making an impact, reaches the actual needy and are genuinely utilized. Several studies highlight this fact, as well as the mechanisms that may allow people to sense the impact of their giving in some contexts more than others.
Funding to meet expenses of medical treatment in low income states
I understand that there are often appeals for help and donations to cover medical expenses. Medical costs can be a significant burden for individuals and families, especially in situations where insurance coverage is limited or unavailable, with no genuine charitable hospitals. It’s unfortunate that many people struggle to afford necessary treatments and remedies. It’s admirable that you want to help poor people and needy patients beyond crowdfunding and explore charitable, not-for-profit solutions. There are several avenues you can consider making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. If you or someone you know is facing financial difficulties due to medical expenses, there are a few options you can explore:
Personal Fundraising
You can consider setting up a crowdfunding campaign on social or print media, OE platforms like KETO, GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise funds for medical expenses. Share your story, explain the situation, and reach out to friends, family, and social networks for support. Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular and effective way to help individuals and communities cover the expenses of medical treatment, particularly in low-income states. Here are several reasons why crowdfunding is needed for medical treatment in such areas
Awareness and Advocacy
Crowdfunding campaigns can raise awareness about specific medical conditions prevalent in low-income states. By sharing personal stories and struggles, these campaigns shed light on the healthcare disparities and advocate for improvements in healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
Financial Constraints
Low-income states often face limited healthcare resources and insufficient insurance coverage. Many individuals cannot afford the high costs associated with medical treatments, including surgeries, medications, and specialized care. Crowdfunding provides an avenue for them to seek financial support from a larger community.
Nonprofit Organizations
There are various nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance to individuals in need of medical help. Research and reach out to organizations that focus on specific medical conditions or offer general assistance. But equally true many of them don’t have transparency and have come under the scanner of misappropriation of funds.
Local Community Support
Health spending pushed millions of Indians into poverty in a year: Studies show about 8%-9% of all Indian households were pushed below the poverty line due to healthcare costs, as per this paper by economists from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy based on National Statistical Office data. However, this includes data on hospitalization costs only. Needy people (patients) reach out to community centers, religious institutions, or local charities in your area. They may have resources or programs available to assist with medical expenses. Kashmiris are known for their generosity. Magnitude of the problem and needs are increasing day by day, bigger than the community donations to cope up with the situation. Crowdfunding campaigns for medical treatment in low-income states often garner support from local communities, friends, family, and even strangers. This collective support fosters a sense of solidarity and empathy, providing not just financial aid but also emotional encouragement during challenging times.
Negotiate with Care Providers
In some cases, healthcare providers may be willing to negotiate payment plans or provide discounts. It’s worth contacting the hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office to discuss your situation and explore possible options.
Government Assistance
Depending on your country and specific circumstances, there may be government programs or assistance available for medical expenses. Research the resources provided by your local government or speak with a social worker to learn more about your options. Remember that each situation is unique, and it’s important to assess all available avenues to find the best solution for your specific circumstances.
Access to Healthcare
In low-income states, access to quality healthcare is often a challenge with lack of not for profit or charitable healthcare diagnostic and therapeutic centres/hospitals. Crowdfunding allows individuals to raise funds for medical treatment that might not be available locally. They can seek treatment in other regions or countries where specialized care or better facilities are accessible.
Emergency Situations
Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and individuals in low-income states may not have the necessary funds readily available. Crowdfunding platforms enable quick and widespread fundraising efforts to cover emergency medical expenses, providing a lifeline in critical situations.
Bridging Gaps in Government Aid
In some cases, government assistance or insurance programs (like Gold care PMJAY) may not cover the full costs of certain medical treatments or procedures. Crowdfunding helps bridge these financial gaps, ensuring that individuals in low-income states receive the necessary care and support.
Empowerment and Equality
Crowdfunding empowers individuals and communities by giving them a platform to seek assistance directly. It allows people to take control of their healthcare journey, reducing dependency on limited institutional resources and promoting equality in access to medical treatment.
Scope of a Charitable Hospital
It’s important to note that while crowdfunding can provide short-term relief, it does not address the underlying systemic issues of healthcare accessibility and affordability. Long-term solutions should involve comprehensive healthcare reforms and policies aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring affordable and equitable access to medical treatment in low-income states. Charitable hospitals play a crucial role in low-income and medically underserved states for several reasons. In low-income and medically underserved areas, access to quality healthcare is often limited. Charitable hospitals bridge this gap by providing healthcare services to those who would otherwise struggle to afford or access medical care. These hospitals serve as a lifeline for individuals and families who cannot afford private healthcare or do not have health insurance.
Charitable hospitals typically offer healthcare services at reduced costs or even free of charge, ensuring that people with limited financial resources can still receive essential medical treatment. This is especially important in areas where poverty rates are high and healthcare costs are prohibitive for many individuals. Low-income and medically underserved states often face significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases, limited preventive care, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Charitable hospitals work to address these disparities by providing much-needed medical services, health education, and preventive care, thus improving the overall health outcomes of the community. Charitable hospitals often have a strong community focus, tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of the local population. They understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in low-income areas and provide culturally sensitive care that takes into account socioeconomic factors and language barriers. This approach helps build trust and ensures that healthcare services are accessible, acceptable, and appropriate for the community.
Charitable hospitals can also serve as important training grounds for healthcare professionals, offering opportunities for medical students, residents, and other healthcare providers to gain valuable experience in underserved areas. Additionally, these hospitals may engage in research and contribute to the understanding of health issues specific to low-income populations, helping to develop evidence-based strategies for improving healthcare in these areas.
Conclusion
Charitable hospitals are essential in low-income and medically underserved states because they improve access to healthcare, provide affordable or free medical services, address health disparities, offer community-focused care, and contribute to training and research efforts. Their presence is vital in ensuring that individuals in underserved areas receive the medical attention they need to lead healthy lives.
(Author is Senior Consultant Surgeon at Mubarak hospital and is very active in positive perception management of various moral and social issues. He can be reached at [email protected])
