NEW DELHI: In an attempt to bridge gaps in access to specialist healthcare, 27 doctors from across Delhi have pledged two hours of free consultation every week for poor and underprivileged patients under a new volunteer initiative, ‘2 Ghante Desh Ke Naam’.The campaign brings together specialists from ophthalmology, oncology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, paediatrics, cardiology, gynaecology and general medicine, who will provide consultations free of cost through two hospitals and two clinics, as well as via telemedicine for patients in remote and underserved areas. Organisers said the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent patients from seeking timely medical advice.Unlike a centrally funded programme, the initiative is being run collectively by participating hospitals and clinics, each contributing voluntarily by dedicating doctors’ time and infrastructure. Organisers said there is no single funding agency or institution leading the campaign.The programme seeks to reach patients from low-income families, rural areas and urban slums who often delay treatment because of cost or the lack of access to specialists. Besides consultations, doctors will also provide treatment guidance and follow-up advice where required. Patients will be able to register directly with participating specialists through dedicated contact numbers issued by each speciality, following which they will be screened and scheduled for consultations.Organisers said the digital component of the initiative would allow patients from smaller towns and villages to consult specialists without travelling long distances. They are also reaching out to medical associations and healthcare institutions across the country to encourage more doctors to volunteer and expand the initiative beyond Delhi.“Many patients lose vision because they cannot access timely eye care. If doctors volunteer even a few hours each week, we can help prevent avoidable blindness among the poor,” said Dr Ikeda Lal, senior ophthalmologist and medical director, Delhi Eye Centre.Dr L Tomar, senior orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Tomar Foundation, said, “Access to quality orthopaedic care should not depend on a person’s ability to pay. Two hours of voluntary service every week can help reduce avoidable disability and improve quality of life.”
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Highlighting the need for accessible mental healthcare, Dr Deepak Raheja, senior psychiatrist and director, Hope Care India, said, “Mental healthcare remains out of reach for many because of financial and social barriers. We want to ensure that those in need can access professional guidance without worrying about cost.”Dr Ashish Gupta, chief of medical oncology at Amerix Multispecialty Hospital, said, “Cancer patients often delay treatment because of fear and financial constraints. Making specialist consultations free can encourage earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.”
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