In a pioneering move to ease the challenges faced by those seeking medical treatment in Bengaluru, the Milaap Foundation launched a handbook titled Making Healthcare Accessible in Bengaluru: A Caretaker’s Handbook. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to serve as a critical resource for patients and their families arriving in the city from across India and abroad, particularly from regions such as West Bengal and the northeastern states.
This detailed guidebook offers vital information including emergency blood banks, ambulance contact numbers, and pharmacy listings. The handbook also addresses practical challenges faced by those unfamiliar with the city, such as bus routes to hospitals, culturally suitable food options, and affordable accommodation within a 3km radius of key medical institutions. The co-founder of Milaap, speaking at the launch event, highlighted the need for this initiative: “Bengaluru sees a large influx of patients from outside the city, who often face significant cultural and logistical barriers. Our handbook is designed to help them navigate these challenges, providing a smoother experience during what is often a stressful time.”
Navigating Healthcare with Data-Driven Insights Bengaluru is home to over 40,000 patients annually, many of whom travel from distant states and countries seeking specialised medical care. These patients often find themselves overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings and a lack of readily available resources. Milaap’s handbook maps out the patient journey from arrival to treatment, incorporating essential data to address these challenges. In comparison to other metro cities, such as Chennai or Mumbai, Bengaluru’s healthcare infrastructure has a more localised focus, and there has been a noticeable gap in support systems for patients coming from other states. This handbook aims to fill that gap, offering tailored solutions for both patients and medical professionals.
Impact on Healthcare Professionals The book has also been warmly welcomed by the city’s healthcare professionals. “Many times, patients ask where they can find accommodation or suitable food, and as doctors, we often don’t have those answers,” said a liver transplant surgeon at the panel discussion during the launch. “This handbook will give us a reliable resource to direct patients and their families, which will reduce the strain on hospital staff.” A Government-Backed Initiative The launch event saw the endorsement of the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, who lauded the initiative: “Milaap has taken an important step in addressing the needs of patients coming to Bengaluru for treatment. This handbook is a significant resource that will assist families and individuals in navigating our healthcare system.”
Currently available in four languages—English, Kannada, Bengali, and Hindi—the handbook aims to be as inclusive as possible, catering to a wide demographic. Milaap is actively collaborating with 40-50 hospitals in Bengaluru to distribute the handbook and raise awareness among patients, ensuring that the information reaches those who need it most. This initiative highlights the need for accessible healthcare guidance, particularly in cities like Bengaluru, where patients from all corners of the country come in search of advanced medical care. Milaap’s effort in creating this handbook is a step forward in making healthcare more patient-friendly, reducing barriers and ensuring that critical information is always within reach.
