Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege: Vishwakarma trust chief

Nowadays, when healthcare costs are soaring, SHRI Vishwakarma Charitable Hospital Trust in Phagwara stands out as a beacon of hope, offering quality medical services rooted in compassion and affordability.

For over four decades, the hospital has provided comprehensive care to thousands without letting financial hardship become a barrier — a mission it continues to uphold in an increasingly commercialised medical landscape.

Established in the name of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, the hospital today occupies 54,000 square feet and serves as a vital healthcare institution in the region. Its reputation for affordability and ethical care has made it a trusted destination for nearly 350 patients who visit its Outpatient Department (OPD) daily. With a 50-bed capacity and a 24-hour emergency ward, it is fully equipped to handle critical cases, supported by three ambulances for timely patient transport in and around the area.

One of the hospital’s standout initiatives has been its free eye care camps, held consistently since 1976. These camps have restored vision to countless individuals who otherwise could not afford surgery, embodying the Trust’s commitment to accessible healthcare.

“Our mission is clear — healthcare should not be a privilege, but a basic right,” says Pardeep Dhiman, President of the Trust. “At SHRI Vishwakarma Charitable Hospital, we’ve always believed that financial constraints should never come between a person and their health. We are here to serve, not to profit.”

Despite being a charitable institution, the hospital maintains high standards of hygiene, patient care, and medical technology. Surgeries and essential procedures such as EPF are provided at nearly half the rates charged by private hospitals, greatly easing the financial burden on families.

Its strength lies in its skilled and compassionate team of 13 specialist doctors and nearly 50 paramedical professionals, who deliver a wide range of healthcare services under one roof. These include general and specialized surgeries like hernia, appendix, piles, gallbladder, and gynaecological operations. The hospital also offers advanced diagnostic services including ultrasound, digital X-rays, and ECG. Dental care, physiotherapy, paediatric surgery, and treatment for liver, kidney and gastrointestinal conditions further ensure all-round medical support.

The eye department is highly regarded for performing high-quality cataract surgeries. Additionally, the hospital provides specialised services in heart care, joint and knee replacement surgeries, varicose vein treatment, fissure and fistula clinics, and a homeopathic dispensary — all offered at affordable rates. A dedicated science and research committee actively supports innovation and ongoing medical advancement.

Future plans include expanding outreach through mobile medical units, conducting preventive health awareness camps, and offering more subsidized care for chronic illnesses. The Trust continues to invest in modern infrastructure and medical equipment, reaffirming its mission to make healthcare both accessible and dignified for the people.