The Bethany Hospital is a 190-bed acute hospital, providing a wide range of surgical and medical interventions, including a state-of-the-art coronary catheterisation laboratory and radiological oncology, to the people of Thane. It was founded by Stephen Alfred, an Indian national, who was a consultant surgeon in the NE of England when he felt called to return home and start Bethany Hospital, providing care for the poor in Mumbai. The hospital treats more than 60,000 patients per annum with those who can afford to pay subsidising those who cannot pay or are unable to pay the full cost. No-one is turned away for lack of finance.
The LOK clinic is a community project which is closely linked with the hospital and focuses on providing HIV/AIDS/Cancer healthcare to clients living in one of the large slum areas of Thane. A team of 6 staff provide regular direct support in the taking of medicines, counselling and pastoral care to around 200 families and 259 “positive” friends, visiting each client in their homes. The key to successful treatment is strict adherence to the rules in taking medication.
The target set by the clinic is to educate their clients to the point where 95% adherence to the correct handling of medication is achieved, and it regularly achieves 90%. This enables many clients to continue working to support their families.
The clinic encourages churches to share in this ministry by reaching out to HIV sufferers. As well as treatment and one-to-one counselling, the project also provides counselling in camps and group meetings.
India is said to have the largest number of HIV/AIDS sufferers in the world and Lok Clinic does a superb job in helping to combat, as well as treating, this devastating disease.
Equipped to the highest standards and renowned for the quality of its care, Bethany Hospital is an example of practical compassion to the poorest of the poor, to those in deep need.
