Today, at a city press event, Milaap, India’s first zero-fee crowdfunding platform for individuals and social causes, along with Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre spoke about how crowdfunding is making a transformative impact, especially in tier 2 cities like Madurai, by providing crucial financial aid to individuals battling medical conditions.
Over the years, Milaap, in partnership with Meenakshi Mission Hospital, has impacted lives, especially children, by providing financial assistance to their families during treatment for life-threatening conditions. Hospital doctors have played a crucial role in raising awareness about crowdfunding and connecting patients and their families with Milaap, a trusted fundraising platform for urgent medical treatments and long-term care. The generous support of donors on our platform has made it possible to treat critical ailments such as acute cases of liver, kidney and heart diseases, transplants, accidents, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pre-natal Intensive Care Unit. The highest amount raised for a fundraiser at the hospital reached approximately INR 14 lakhs."
Expressing his gratitude, Anoj Viswanathan, President and co-founder of Milaap said, “During life-threatening medical ailments, not just the patient, but the entire family suffers. Exorbitant medical expenses for the treatment add up to this shocking phase. However, there is no need to suffer alone. Crowdfunding initiatives connect families to people around the world who are ready to extend their support and provide financial assistance to ease the painful situation.”
Dr S.V. Saju, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Meenakshi Mission Hospital, “Bone Marrow Transplants are often the last option for cure for patients suffering from blood cancer. While private insurance usually cover for a certain amount (Rs 4 to 5 Lakhs), often patients have to pay from pocket to cover for the remaining Rs 8 to 10 Lakhs. This is even more pertinent for adults who are often breadwinners of the family. In such instances, crowdfunding avenues such as Milaap help in alleviating some burden and ensuring continuity of care.”
Dr Honey Susan Raju, Dept of Medical Oncology, Meenakshi Mission Hospital, “Crowdfunding has helped many patients; even those coming from other parts of the country to pursue treatment at Madurai Meenakshi Mission Hospital. A 4 year old boy suffering from Adrenoleukodystrophy, came from Malda, West Bengal. Through Milaap we were able to raise funds and is now currently on maintenance treatment.”
Anoj Viswanathan, Crowdfunding is fast becoming a popular way to seek support from benefactors in times of turmoil. More and more people are resorting to this transparent, convenient, debt-free way to address urgent, pressing needs and emergencies. Over the years, Milaap has earned trust as a platform that facilitates transparent and dependable fund transfers from donors directly to the beneficiaries, all while keeping both donors and recipients informed through regular updates.
Tier-2 cities like Madurai have witnessed a huge acceptance of this concept of building communities, gathering support and helping people in their times of need.
Milaap recently initiated a fundraising campaign for a 3-year-old child who was undergoing medical treatment and blood transfusions at Meenakshi Mission Hospital. The parents of Vinoth and Kavitha, belongs to a fishermen family from Amali Nagar village in the Tiruchendur district of Tamil Nadu. The young boy was diagnosed with Thalassemia, a blood disorder when he was just 3 months old. Since then, hospitals have become a regular part of his life. Recently, he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in hopes of a full recovery. Unfortunately, post-operation, he developed severe fungal infections in his kidneys, posing a threat to the success of the transplant. He required complete hospitalization and treatment for the next two months. While the surgery costs came in from his friends and family, the post-surgery complications left the parents financially drained. Generous donors poured over INR. 2 lakhs helping Vinoth to cover the medical expenses. The brave little boy is now on the path to recovery and can return to his village soon.
For purposes of verifying, getting updates and transferring funds, Milaap works with over 46 hospitals across Tamil Nadu and is looking to collaborate with more hospitals in Madurai. Over 85% of the fundraisers on the platform cater to medical and related needs.
To set up a fundraiser for a noble cause, one can easily set up campaigns by using the instructions below:
- Visit https://milaap.org/fundraisers/new to start a fundraiser
- Send a whatsapp message on (+91) 9916174848 or email at feedback@milaap.org for guidance to set up a fundraiser.
Do read frequently asked questions at https://milaap.org/faq to find easy solutions and quick tips to fundraise better!