Grants to improve quality of life in India

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Ballarat and the Rotary Club of Jodhpur are working together with an aim to better lives.

Local Rotarians have recently approved the provision of an international ophthalmology

project grant, and a burns and skin grant, to the community of Jodhpur, India.

“These projects promise to provide essential medical services and improve the quality of life for many individuals in Jodhpur, India,” Rotary Club of Ballarat president Samantha McIntosh said.

“Special thanks go to Ron Pickford, our Rotary Foundation cadre member, and international director Barb Glass for their crucial contributions to these transformative initiatives; the most significant contributions, and only successful international grants from our 9780 District.

“The Burns and Skin Bank project totalled $123,351, and the ophthalmology project grant totalled a contribution of $66,130.”

Ms McIntosh said the Jodhpur city has had two major fires in quick succession and many people died.

“The fires were a consequence of the bursting of domestic gas cylinders,” she said.

“The shortage of beds at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital was always an issue and these fires immediately led the hospital and the public at large to fulfil the need of extension of the Skin and Burn Unit, including a new ward and supporting medical equipment.

“The residents of the city and Western Rajasthan will benefit from the project.”