Kolkata’s voluntary Homeopathic dispensary redefines freedom

Kolkata’s voluntary Homeopathic dispensary redefines freedomKolkata, Aug. 14 : An independent homeopathic dispensary in Kolkata has been providing free treatment to its patients for the past six decades.

Established in 1946, the dispensary has survived four generations now.

It has been functioning on the philosophy that true freedom comes only when citizens of a nation help each other.

The dispensary run by voluntary organisation named, Palli Seva Samiti on Brindavan Basak Street in north Kolkata commenced its service with voluntary doctors living in the neighbourhood.

The queue of the patients outside the dispensary has been on the increase, which in turn has indicated its popularity, mostly relayed by word of mouth.

"I had heard that their medicines are effective and so I came here. After taking medicines from here for sometime, I felt lot better and since then whenever unwell, I come here only," said Namita Das, a patient.

Right from the very first day, the doctors have been offering their services voluntarily. They have been treating chronic cases too.

"Costly medicines, foreign medicines are given here free of cost, absolutely free of cost. Regarding the patients criteria all type of patients coming here mainly chronic patients, acute cases also come here," said Dr. Swapan Dutta, one of the volunteer doctors.

The office bearers of Palli Seva Samiti are indebted to the team of doctors, rendering consultations at the dispensary since only the transport expenses are compensated.

"We are simply giving them (doctors) conveyance allowance and that is very negligible and we are very grateful to them. They are rendering absolutely voluntary service and with their service only we can continue otherwise it was not possible," noted Sudhangshu Sil, Secretary, Palli Seva Samity.

The dispensary maintains its book of accounts by issuing proper receipts to those who contribute donations.

Another hallmark of the dispensary is the hospital discipline. Be it a local tea vendor, rich professional or a community leader, all the patients stand in the queue and wait for their turn to be attended. (ANI)