NGO supplies free water to hospitals
Afzalgunj: Even as the mercury levels are starting to soar from this month, the government hospitals in parts of Old City are being supported by an NGO, Safa Baitul Maal (SBM), in quenching the thirst of thousands of patients and their attendants by supplying cool water. As part of its social service activities, the Government Maternity Hospital at Petlaburj and Osmania General Hospital in Afzalgunj have been getting water free of cost for more than a decade.
Each year, during summer season, SBM installs drinking water camps in hospitals where thousands of people consume water free of cost. “This drinking water camp was started in the year 2008 at the Osmania General Hospital, where more than 5,000 people consume water daily. This camp is installed in the month of March and will be concluded on June 15. The quantity of water supplied is about 3,000 liters per day during the onset of summer, where more than 4,000 people consume water and then by the end of April till June, the supply of water will be more than 5,000 liters per day, where more than 6,000 people consume water.
Every day, water costing anywhere between Rs 4,500 and Rs 5,000 is being supplied to both the camps, said Syed Ahmed Asadi, who is organising the camp on behalf of SBM.
After successfully running the camp in OGH, SBM has decided to set up the camp at the Government Maternity Hospital in 2015 to quench the thirst of more than 2,500 people every day. Along with the supply of free drinking water, SBM also distributes food and fruits to the patients in Government Hospitals once in a week, Asadi added.
Asadi also said that every day, more than 7,000 people including wayfarers get benefitted by SBM in both camps, where approximately 8,000 liters are being distributed. “This water is distributed from the SBM water plant, which was started specifically for this purpose. Apart from distributing free water to the general public, the SBM also supplies the free water in the program which is conducted by Madarsas (seminary) all over City.
Speaking about the voluntary services to The Hans India here on Friday, Asadi said that, “All human beings, animals and birds want water. While distributing water, we as humans, should not take not consideration, their caste or religion. Giving or distributing water to anyone is a noble deed. I request all businessmen to keep water in shops and on footpath for the commuters. Apart from distributing water to humans, we also think about the birds and one should keep water in balcony for birds and in containers for animals near the houses,” Asadi added.
Shaik Ismail, a commuter, said that for the last two years, while passing by the Afzalgunj Road in summer, he drinks water supplied by the camp. Anil, a worker in shop near camp, thanked the organisers for organising the free water camp, where apart from patients and attendants, workers from nearby shops and also commuters can avail of the facility.