YRGCARE is proud to dedicate its new hospital block, “The Family Health Centre,” at VHS campus on Thursday, the March 11th. The new block, which adds approximately 12000 sq. ft. to the existing VHS YRGCARE Medical Center, will add capacity to assist up to 200 patients per day greatly expanding the availability of HIV care and treatment services in the area. It will also expand services to include emergency care, a waiting room, a pharmacy, outpatient and in-patient services, an intensive care unit, a clinical laboratory, and specialty consultation for vision care and oral health.

“Most significantly, the expansion will include an OB-GYN clinic, a delivery room and a surgical suite, all of which will rengthen the prevention of future pediatric HIV/AIDS cases in South India” says YRG founder Dr Suniti Solomon. “The dedication of this facility highlights our commitment to expanding the care and treatment programme to more people living with HIV, especially mothers and children. This inauguration coincides with the week of International Women's Day, and we
are excited that this facility contributes to this year's focus on equal rights and opportunities for all.”

The Family Health Center will also increase patient access to a variety of immunizations and monitored treatment regimens, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV.

ART has become increasingly more affordable in recent years and has led to a dramatic decline in HIV-related health burdens and deaths. At YRGCARE, around 7000 patients receive ART.“The success of ART has made HIV management similar to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension,” observes Dr N. Kumarasamy, Chief Medical Officer at YRGCARE and the Principal Investigator of Chennai International Clinical Trials Unit.

The MAC AIDS Fund, which was the primary sponsor of this project, recognized the possibilities that an expanded medical campus will bring. "We are proud to assist YRGCARE to increase the range of services itcan provide to people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS,” says Ms Nancy Mahon, Executive Director of MAC AIDS Fund. “We have tremendous respect for the work of YRGCARE, which can serve as a model to other institutions that strive to offer patient-centered care.”

Dr. E.S. Krishnamoorthy, Honorary Secretary of Voluntary Health Services (VHS), who have allotted space at their campus for the building, highlighted the solidarity inherent in the completion of the project: “Through successful cooperation between the Voluntary Health Services, YRGCARE and the MAC AIDS Fund, this facility is an embodiment of philanthropy and artnership.”