Dr.H.V.Hande’s medical service to poor
In 1945, Dr.Hande joined the Kilpauk Medical College, Integrated Medicine. Completing his medical studies, he set up his medical practice in Shenoynagar in 1950. From day one (day and night) he began extending his maximum help to the poor and the needy. He had only one diction. ‘Anyone who came to him shall not go out without treatment due to want of money’. There were occasions when even bus fare given to those who had to return to far off places.
Relief work during 1966 flood
During Nov/Dec 1966 severe cyclone with heavy rains shook the city of Madras. The whole of North Madras was reeling under heavy floods. Anna’s DMK &Rajaji’sSwatantra Party had by then come closer, for the 1967 elections. The 5 Assembly segments and also the North Madras LokSabha, were under the control of the Congress Party. Single handed, Dr.Hande created a huge rallying point collecting rice & clothes and arranged food for one week for the displaced persons in North Madras especially in Vysarpadi. This attracted the attention of Anna who began telling all the DMK functionaries in North Madras, “Work like Hande”.
Infant Mortality
When Dr.Hande took over, the portfolio of Health, he was shocked to find the Maternal & Infant Mortality rates very high. Within 6 ½ years of his office, he brought the Infant Mortality down from 118 to 60, almost on par with Kerala which had the lowest figure because of its very high literacy rate.
Primary Health Centers
For nearly 20years, the Health Dept had not paid adequate attention to the field of PRIMARY HEALTH CARE. Only 3000 odd Sub Centers had been built during the period 1965 – 1980. Dr.Hande had held office for 6yrs & 4months. By 1986, When Dr.Hande had demitted office, the number of Sub Centers rose up to 7500!
Incidence of Leprosy
The incidence of Leprosy was also drastically reduced. When Dr.Hande took over the Health Ministry, the prevalence & incidence of fresh cases of leprosy was very high. They were 21 & 25.6 respectively per thousand. The 2nd highest in India. Soon Dr.Hande launched a massive programme of screening for leprosy. He involved the District Collectors, District Health Officers, District Education Officers and organized mass screening of School students, so that the leprosy patches could be identified and treated at a very early stage. While in 1979 nearly 15 lakhs students were being screened, by the time Dr.Hande demitted office in 1980, 75 lakh students were brought under the scanner. This was a record for India.
Former Health minister educates children
Dr H V Hande, who started his medical practice in 1950, in Chennai, is a former Health Minister, known for his philanthropic work and also as a
Starting his practice at Shenoy Nagar, he oozes with energy even at the age of 89 striving to continue his selfless service to the society.
Amidst his hectic schedule, Hande, who is also the national council member of the BJP, is keen to take science to children. He conducts free biology classes for aspiring medicos who are in the last year of their schooling.
Through his Hande Trust, he holds such sessions almost on a daily basis to students from various schools across the city at Hande Hospital in Shenoy Nagar.
Speaking to ‘News Today’, Hande says, “Biology is mostly seen as a difficult subject among students. Being a doctor and a former Health Minister, I consider it my duty to ensure that they learn the subject in an easy manner and develop a liking towards it”.
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Dr.Hande appreciating a school student for her brilliant answer during his periodical interactions with them in the hospital.See this amazing energy and involvement.There is no aging for the sprit!!!