During the mid-seventies, cardiac surgery was still relatively new in our country. There were very few surgeons, who had the knowledge or expertise to operate upon patients in need of heart surgery. On the other hand, patients with heart diseases or cardiac problems too did not trust the medical help available to them. These factors along with the very high cost of surgery and post-operative disposables, valves, medicines etc. made it difficult for most people to get themselves or members of their family treated.
It was during this time that an 11-year-old boy in dire need of a heart valve surgery was operated upon, free of cost by eminent Cardiac Surgeon Dr. D. S. Saksena. This kind act surely saved that boy’s life, but it also laid the foundation of our organization, known as ‘Bombay Medical Aid Foundation’.
Padma Shri Late Mr. C. G. Joshi
Dr. D.S. Saksena
Late Mr. N. K Nautiyal
In the year 1979, its founders Dr. D. S. Saksena, Padma Shri awardee Late Mr. C. G. Joshi and Late Mr. N. K Nautiyal led by their compassion for those in need, went all out to raise funds for this noble cause. It wasn’t long before a group of like-minded, dedicated and benevolent doctors, philanthropists and persons from diverse walks of life attached themselves to this noble undertaking. The Foundation has since treated and financially aided the treatment of over 5 lakh patients from all over India. Over 25K patients have been extended financial help for major eye surgeries.
Dr. Devendra Saksena is the definition of “extraordinary” – one of the Founder Members of the Foundation is Hon. Professor and Head, Dept. of Cardio Vascular Surgery, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences. Consultant Cardiac Surgeon – Central Railway, Western Railway & Indian Army. He received the Ashvini Hospital American College of Surgeons Pfizer Humanitarian Surgeon Award for the year 2019. He is also an Advisor to the Govt. of Mauritius. The University of Mauritius conferred on him the Doctorate of Science Degree and the title “Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean”. President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam appointed him to the rank of Hon. Surgeon Commodore in the Armed Forces.
“If you ask me, really, operating on a poor patient and bringing him back to life and seeing the satisfaction in the eyes of his mother or wife gives me greater satisfaction that any award received.”
What began as a humble initiative has now, four decades later, blossomed into a full-fledged medical aid foundation. Bombay Medical Aid Foundation is registered with the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and with the Charity Commissioner, Govt. of Maharashtra, India. It is also registered with Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act – FCRA. It is a voluntary organization with no Government support.
What began as a humble initiative has now, four decades later, blossomed into a full-fledged medical aid foundation. Bombay Medical Aid Foundation is registered with the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and with the Charity Commissioner, Govt. of Maharashtra, India. It is also registered with Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act – FCRA. It is a voluntary organization with no Government support.
1992, Charitable Medical Centre, Mulund
In 1992, a Charitable Medical Centre was started in Mulund, to treat the local needs of patients, free of cost or at subsidized rates. In 2011, the Foundation joined hands with Maharashtra Seva Sangh in order to enhance the local services already being offered. In 2013, a fully equipped Physiotherapy Unit was added to this facility.
1994-1995, OPD Center at Swami Shradhhanand Samsthan, Vasai
In 1994-1995, an OPD centre was opened for outdoor patients in Swami Shradhhanand Samsthan. In the same year, with the blessings and request of Late Swami Shraddhanandji, Bombay Medical Aid Foundation transformed an old dilapidated hospital building into a full-fledged general hospital named Swami Shraddhanand Charitable Hospital.
In 2007, with the help of Mr. Nirmal Suchanti a Palliative Care Unit that is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness was set up in the premises of Swami Shraddhanand Charitable Hospital. Medical care is provided by a specially trained team of doctors and nurses. The goal is to improve quality of life of both the patients and their family.
2010, Eye Centre
In 2010, a modern Eye Centre was established in Nirmal Village, Vasai with the help of Mr. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala who donated generously for the cause. Eye surgeries are done by renowned surgeons free of cost or at subsidized rates.
2015, Collaboration with Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust to manage the Eye Hospital
In the year 2015, Bombay Medical Aid Foundation joined hands with Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust that manages the Bhakti Vedanta Hospital and Research Institute at Mira Road, to jointly manage the Eye Hospital. With their committed support, the Eye Hospital started doing extremely well. Around 50% surgeries are carried out free of cost and 50% at a very subsidized rate. About 25-30 cataract surgeries are carried out per day. In order to accommodate all patients, the existing facilities of the Hospital building and Eye Hospital have been expanded to accommodate 40 additional beds.
2016, Charitable General Hospital in Vasai
In the year 2016, Bhakti Vedanta also got involved in the running of our Charitable General Hospital in Vasai. With their continuous support, all existing facilities are greatly improved – a Dental Care Unit, an Orthopaedic Unit and an Ayurvedic Treatment Unit have been added.
Besides, initiative is taken to plant fruit and other trees which purify the air and have a tremendous benefit on the environment, thus speeding up the healing process of the patients.
2017, Sanitation and Water Projects
In April 2017, the Foundation took the initiative for water restoration and construction of 12 toilets in Village Nangarmoda Taluka, Jawhar District, Palghar, Maharashtra.
Our Vision
Our goal is to create a world where health care is not a privilege but a fundamental right. We are intent on providing medical aid to all regardless of their caste, color and religion. Our mission is to serve humanity by making health care facilities accessible to all those who cannot afford it. We believe better health leads to better lives. No lives should be lost due to lack of finance and facilities.