When patriotism, healthcare and charity go hand in hand

RAWANG: The SP Care Group is a chain of clinics which has been around for more than a decade. It is a trusted establishment as its management and staff are known for going above and beyond their call of duty.

Its owner Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan, 44, opened the first clinic in Rawang Mutiara in 2009 after serving for six years in public healthcare services.

He set up the establishment because he wanted to give back to the community and do whatever he could to help the underprivileged.

He remembers his own humble beginnings as he and his brother were raised by his father Nadarajan Chandrakasa, 72, who worked very hard as a postman, while his mother Vamseladevi Chetty Maniam, 63, was a housewife.

“I never planned to set up my own private practice. It happened unexpectedly. I had always wanted to give back to the community where I grew up.

“Fast forward to the present day, we have 13 clinics spread across Rawang, Hulu Selangor, Gombak and Kota Damansara. We also have a pharmacy, ambulance services centre, nursing centre and even a restaurant which provides in-house meals for 159 staff comprising doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses, medical assistants, radiographers, clinical assistants, nutritionists and other support staff,” said the man who is fondly known as Dr Prakash.

When the pandemic hit early last year, the group of companies sprang to action by distributing food aid to the poor and those who had fallen on hard times in the surrounding areas here.

Up to 150 food aid packs are delivered to Orang Asli villages, estate and plantation communities, low cost housing areas, mosques, churches and temples.

“In July this year, we set up a food bank where people could take food items such instant noodles, canned food, rice, flour, tea, various powders for cooking and cooking oil so that families can have food on the table,” said Dr Prakash, who has a masters in Public Health from Universiti Malaya and had served in public healthcare between 2003 to 2009.

In the past eight years, he and his staff conducted charity events in conjunction with National Day. They would go around in a convoy with all their vehicles adorned with the Jalur Gemilang. They distributed food, goodies and Jalur Gemilang flags to the destitute.

“For the past two years, due to restrictions, we have not been able to carry out any functions in conjunction with National Day, but we still go around in a convoy to send out aid while proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang.

“We do this to spread some cheer and encourage the spirit of patriotism during these tough times. There are many people who are feeling down. We do this as a means to uplift their spirits apart from extending a helping hand.”

Dr Prakash said their Merdeka-themed convoy, which is conducted in August and September is also a form of appreciation as every one should be grateful for the country’s independence, which is now in its 64th year.

“As Malaysians, we must embrace the love and unity that exists between the multicultural society. It is a unity that goes beyond race, colour or creed. We must appreciate this. We have been blessed with this.”

Dr Prakash also said that he had proudly flew the Jalur Gemilang when he took part in humanitarian aid expeditions overseas.

So far, he has been part of such missions in Myanmar in 2012, Palestine in 2012 and 2014, and Nepal and the Philippines in 2016.

Source from: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/722839/when-patriotism-healthcare-and-charity-go-hand-hand