Medical Emergency Fund
Many people in our community still struggle with the financial means to access essential medical treatment. Despite the advancements in healthcare, the rising costs of medical services often place a heavy burden on families, leaving them without the care they desperately need.
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The Medical Fund aims to provide financial assistance to those in our community who require critical healthcare services but cannot afford them. Whether it's emergency surgeries, ongoing treatments, or life-saving medications, we believe no one should have to choose between their health and financial stability. By raising funds, we can ensure that everyone in need has access to the care they deserve, easing both the emotional and financial burdens of illness.
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Your support can make a life-changing difference- together, we can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Program Overview
Objective
The KOA Medical Fund aims to provide financial assistance to Kashmiri Pandit families in need of critical medical treatment, easing the burden of healthcare costs and supporting their well-being.
Cost
Donations of any amount are welcome and will directly support individuals in need of medical treatment
History
Since 1989, KOA has been receiving heartfelt requests for financial assistance from Kashmiri Pandits (KPs), primarily from Jammu refugee camps, seeking support for the treatment of seriously ill relatives. These illnesses varied from kidney failure requiring transplants to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and severe depression. In many cases, the necessary treatments could not be provided in Jammu, requiring patients to seek care outside the region.
In 2002, KOA recognized the need for a more organized and structured approach to address these growing requests. In 2003, under the leadership of then KOA President Sanjay Kaul, the KOA Medical Fund was established, with a dedicated committee overseeing its operations to ensure that the support provided was efficient and impactful. This initiative has since become a vital lifeline for many in our community facing critical health challenges.
Selection & Distribution Process
KOA collaborates with KMECT (Kashmiri Medical Emergency & Charitable Trust) to support medical cases within the community by ensuring timely and efficient assistance.
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Patient information is securely uploaded to a dedicated portal, which requires authorized access, maintaining the confidentiality of clinical and financial details.
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KMECT provides a preliminary estimate of the financial assistance needed and highlights if the case is urgent.
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The KOA Medical Advisory Group reviews the cases in a timely manner, ensuring each situation is addressed with the necessary urgency.
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For complex cases, specialists from the KOA Healthcare Network (HCN) provide their expertise to thoroughly review the clinical details before a decision is made.
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In urgent cases, the group prioritizes a quick turnaround to provide swift support.
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If the requested funding exceeds the approved amount due to insufficient information or other reasons, further clarification or documentation may be requested before a final decision is made.
Feedback & Call for Support
In recent years, the KOA Medical Fund has witnessed a growing number of oncology and transplant cases, reflecting the rising complexity and cost of healthcare. As advanced therapies become standard treatment, the financial burden on families has increased, with larger amounts being requested to cover medical expenses.
The HCN Medical Advisory Board works tirelessly to help, but the escalating costs and limited resources mean that we cannot always meet the full needs of those seeking help.
Despite contributions from various donor pools, the need remains great. Your donation can make a real difference, providing crucial assistance to those facing serious medical challenges. No contribution is too small to help ease their burden and offer hope when it's needed most. Your support matters.
Tax-Deductible Donations
The Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. (KOA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt socio-cultural organization registered in Maryland, USA. Your donations are tax-deductible.
Meet the Team
