The Clinic For the Poor

University Women’s Association of Coonoor

Our Mission …
The University Women’s Association of Coonoor is a volunteer organization. The “Clinic,” a brainchild of the late Dr. (Miss) Phyllis Bellhart, was started in a private home in 1976, to provide medical attention to anyone who needed it, and was unable to afford it.
In 1994, under the recent president, the late Ms. Silloo Manekshaw, wife of Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw, land was leased from the Tamilnadu government, donations collected and the present clinic built.
The “Clinic” now functions three mornings a week with the support of donations and volunteers only. It gives affordable, almost-free medical attention to ayone who needs it. The Association also gives one deserving child a cholarship for three years college education.
We will continue to do as much as we can!

Our Location …
The “Clinic” is located in a tiny hillside town called Coonoor in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Coonoor lies at an altitude of over 1850 meters and is nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains. Known best for its picturesque views, eucalyptus trees, tea plantations and beautiful rose gardens, Coonoor is frequented by tourists year round.
Just like everywhere in India, beyond the beautiful setting, however, is another side to Coonoor, that of poverty and sickness.

The People …
The “Clinic” offers medical attention to anyone who needs it, and cannot afford to pay. We turn no-one away. All treatment and medication is provided at no charge to the patient. Although intended for the local people, we now get patients from the neighboring towns and villages, as well.
The “Clinic” employs one permanent doctor, one nurse and one assistant. They treat approximately fifty patients a day, prescribing medication as required.
In more advanced cases, the “Clinic” refers the patient to area hospitals, and offers to cover the hospital charges, as required. The Volunteers …
The volunteers of University Women’s Association of Coonoor are people who generously volunteer their time to serve people who are less fortunate than themselves.
Approximately 20 volunteers arrange their schedules to accommodate the clinic three mornings a week. In addition, local physicians and registered nurses offer their knowledge and skill, whenever possible.
These compassionate volunteers are most important as they work hard to provide a sanitary, professional and reliable place for those who are in need.


We make a difference …
AT VERY LOW COST …
Treat those who require medical attention but do not have the means to get help.
Diagnose and attend to patients individually.
Provide prescription medicines as required.
Refer advanced cases to medical centers and hospitals in the district.
Provide financial assistance to those who require hospitalization.
Provide the elderly and children with some sort of daily nourishment.

You can make tax deductible donation through Joint Assistance Centre: