Maharashtra : For years, elderly women in the rural area of Gadchiroli lived with severe knee pain that affected even the simplest parts of daily life such as walking, meeting neighbours and attending family functions. And, the idea of knee surgery was far removed in regions like Gadhciroli where access to basic healthcare was limited, much less surgeries.
That changed at B. Prabhakaran-led Lloyds Kali Ammal Memorial Hospital which recently performed its first Total Knee Replacement surgery on an elderly woman and gave her a chance to walk again after spending years in pain. This surgery, first of its kind in Gadchiroli, was performed free of cost, in line with ethos of the hospital to provide accessible, modern healthcare without any charge.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited said, “”Access to quality healthcare is fundamental to the well-being of any community. That belief has guided our efforts in Gadchiroli over the years. It is heartening to see Lloyds Kali Ammal Memorial Hospital become a trusted healthcare institution for local families, and a place they can turn to when they need utmost care. This milestone is significant not only because of the procedure itself, but because it reflects the growing availability of advanced healthcare within the district. Seeing a patient regain her mobility and independence is a reminder of the difference accessible healthcare can make in people’s lives.”
After examining her condition, the hospital’s orthopedic team found significant damage to her knee joint and recommended surgery. The procedure was successfully carried out at the hospital, allowing her to receive the care she needed without travelling outside the district.
For her family, the most memorable moment came a few days later when she stood up and took her first steps. It was a simple moment, but one that marked the beginning of a new chapter after years of discomfort and limited movement.
As of last month, Lloyds Kali Ammal Memorial Hospital has performed a total of 1,859 surgeries. However, this one marks a crucial milestone not just for them but for healthcare in Gadchiroli. Mr. B Prabhakaran’s idea of Kali Ammal Memorial Hospital providing access to state-of-the-art healthcare free of cost, reflects the growing availability of specialised medical services in the district, that helps people access quality treatment closer to home.