A test of spirituality - Part II

The husband of a German nurse serving in the hospital was an architect and he was inspired to develop a wonderful design for the proposed medical college. Dr Cherian went ahead with all the necessary work from donations to designs. Unfortunately, due to mis-information which led to objections from the governing body of the church, the proposed medical college in Parumala did not materialize. Brilliant students and deserving candidates from the surrounding community and neighbouring regions lost the opportunity for an education which would have been on par with any of the best medical universities in the world, as affiliations with prestigious universities in US, UK and other advanced countries were assured for the same. 

It is a monumental feat for a few committed individuals to make a dream a reality. But it is extremely easy to disrupt sincere efforts with ill-intentions and actions. Such is the dark side of humanity. A possibility thus became and remains a distant reality. 

The Parumala hospital progressed rapidly and on an average performed 2,500 angios a year, which was more than any other hospital in Kerala. Former President of India the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, made an exclusive visit to this Centre. It was a moment of great pride for all concerned when he mentioned the St Gregorios Cardio Vascular Centre in his address to the nation during India’s 57th Republic Day celebrations. Dr Kalam said, “The state of the art hospital at Parumala under the leadership of Dr KM Cherian, is carrying out valuable research in Tissue Culture for heart valves and is also performing heart operations. It is a hi-tech hospital in a rural setting. It is indeed noteworthy”

During his visit to Parumala on 18th December 2005, Dr Kalam stated, “I am happy to find that a high technology Cardiothoracic and Vascular Diseases Centre has been created in a remote panchayat (Parumala) in Kerala which is a dream for every rural Indian.”

An international cardiac workshop, “The Eurasian Workshop on Valve Repair” was also conducted in this rural tertiary care facility. It witnessed the presence and participation of over 150 experts from USA, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Outstanding, world renowned cardio vascular surgeons and highly acclaimed experts on Valve Repair Surgery, who were also key members of the European Valve Repair Task Force graced the event. Parumala, a humble pilgrimage centre, was transformed into a healthcare hub, a scientific retreat and a world-class treatment destination, especially for cardiac ailments.

Dr Cherian says, “In our daily lives, we see many people who visit places of worship very regularly. Though they appear very spiritual, are they truly? I have heard a saying, ‘Closer to the church but further away from God’. Prayer is mere lip service to convince others. For me, it is just about helping humanity. That is service to God.”