Brand Ambassador of Manipal Hospitals’ Rahul Dravid Launches Manipal Arogya Card With Additional Benefits
Mangaluru: Brand Ambassador of Manipal Hospitals’, Rahul Dravid visited KMC Hospital on April 23. During the visit, Dravid launched the Manipal Arogya Card (MAC) with additional benefits for 2 years along with fetal medicine and geriatric department at the TMA Pai International Convention Hall.
Manipal Arogya Card (MAC) was incepted in the year 2000 by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) with an aim to make quality healthcare treatment affordable to the public. It offers benefits on the complete range of healthcare services. The discounted benefits include consultations with any specialist doctor any number of times during the year, laboratory investigations, CT/MRI/Ultrasound, OP procedures, normal and caesarian delivery, admission charges, bed and nursing charges, surgeries at ultra-wards (Semi Special & Special), health check packages and diabetic foot management to name a few. By paying a small amount, anybody can become a member and avail of the facilities.
The scheme launched initially was applicable in the Manipal Group hospitals in Coastal Karnataka which include 5 Hospitals namely KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar circle and KMC Hospital Attavar in Mangaluru, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Dr T.M.A. Pai Hospital Udupi and Dr T.M.A. Pai Rotary Hospital Karkala and 2 Dental Colleges namely Manipal College of Dental Sciences Manipal and Mangaluru.
Speaking on the occasion, Saghir Siddiqui, Regional Chief Operating Officer, KMC Hospital Attavar, Mangaluru said, “This 19th year of MAC, we aim to issue the card for 2 years with the inclusion of Manipal Hospitals Goa in the scheme. The cardholder can avail benefits of Medical and Dental services across Mangalore, Udupi, Karkala, Manipal, and Goa. Card memberships include individual membership for 1 person, family membership for an individual, spouse, any number of unmarried kids below 25 years and family plus membership for individual, spouse, any number of unmarried kids below 25 years, and up to 4 parents/in-laws which is the additional benefit.”
After launching the Manipal Arogya Card, addressing the gathering, Rahul Dravid said, “Having been invited to KMC Mangalore is both an honor and humbling experience for me. Initiatives by Manipal are phenomenal and to be a part of the same for the past few months has been incredible. Manipal Arogya Card by MAHE is a blessing to everyone. I congratulate and appreciate the management for their continuous efforts in making a significant social impact for the communities they serve.”
Dr Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals said, “It is indeed a momentous occasion as we complete 19 years of Manipal Arogya Card and this reinforces our commitment towards offering quality healthcare along with the expertise of our medical specialists. The moment becomes special due to the presence of Rahul Dravid who has extended his support to unveil the health benefit card with enhanced benefits. Manipal’s ethos of clinical excellence, patient centricity and ethical practices have paved the path for us in becoming one of the trusted and chosen healthcare entity. We will continue our efforts in bringing quality and affordable healthcare services to our patrons.”
Earlier in the day, Dravid visited MAHE, Manipal and saw some of the facilities at the University. During the three-hour visit, he also inaugurated the fetal medicine and geriatrics department at Kasturba Hospital. At the indoor sports complex, MARENA he interacted with a large number of students, who were excited and looking forward to the opportunity. He briefly interacted with the heads of institutions and officials of the university as well.
“I am very happy to visit Manipal University today and witness the difference it has made in the lives of the students here. I strongly believe education is extremely important to every individual’s growth, however focusing on overall development is also very important. I am happy to see the hunger and enthusiasm in students today and look forward to more students coming through the ranks and make our country proud. It is a privilege to interact with such talented students and encourage them”, added Dravid interacting with students at the university.
Comprehensive Geriatric clinic includes a clinical assessment by a Geriatrician for assessing preexisting medical illnesses, drug history, clinical examination of systems etc. Examination by a physiotherapist and occupational therapist for muscle strength, fall risk and requirement for any physical aids, assessment of mental status and memory by a clinical psychologist.
Commenting on Dravid’s visit to Dr H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education said, “We are extremely delighted to have Rahul Dravid amidst us today to launch Manipal Arogya Card (MAC), an initiative by MAHE. MAC is like an umbrella which offers protection at the time of necessity. It is among the largest non-insurance based and non-government healthcare schemes in India. We hope to see more number of people enroll and benefit this year.”
Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman – Manipal Hospitals, Dilip Jose, CEO & MD, Manipal Hospitals, Dr Vinod Bhat, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Dr. H S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education were also present.
Pics by Astel Pereira, Team Mangalorean