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The Many Faces of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences

October 29, 2015 | Pulitzer Center
By
Priya Ramchandra

An administrative member at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences submits patient cases for charitable reimbursement. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Saris of patient attendants hang to dry from a railing leading to the operation theater. It is common for many patients' families to live inside the facility itself. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

A neurologist examines a young patient in the outpatient department. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Patient attendants wait in line for meals provided by the Pranadana Scheme charitable fund. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Medical record officers-in-training assist patients at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Attendants in the waiting area of the surgical oncology operation theater. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Patient, recipient of Pranadana Scheme coverage, and wife in the respiratory intensive care unit. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Independent pharmacy located on Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences grounds. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Patient attendants wait outside of the outpatient department. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Waiting area outside of the surgical oncology operation theater. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Young patient attendant waits outside of the intensive care unit. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Patients wait outside of the "Kendram" processing center for their appointments with physicans. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

Canteen at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences. Image by Priya Ramchandra. India, 2015.

On any given day, the city of Tirupati's Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Science (SVIMS) hospital is teeming with patients and their families seeking essential medical care. Many travel great distances from the poorest regions of Andhra Pradesh, India, for treatment and the financial assistance offered by the Pranadana payment scheme. Tirupati, the "Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh," has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years. The medical institute has built a strong following too, especially among the underserved poor of Andhra Pradesh.