Heart Valve Bank’s aims and objectives were formed after consideration of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s fundamental statement that free healthcare… “is an inalienable right of every individual, irrespective of race, religion, caste, creed or economic status”. Furthermore, He said that “Ideal healthcare should encompass disease prevention and provide education for patients and physicians alike.” (Sathya Sai Global Health Mission, 2009 Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, p. 7)
The United Nation’s specialised agency, the World Health Organisation (WHO), established in 1948, in its objective stated, among others, that “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” (Constitution of the World Health Organisation)
Thus, the international community at large also regards health as the fundamental rights for peoples of the world.
It was, therefore, not surprising that Sri Sathya Sai Baba established two General Hospitals, one in Puttaparthi in 1954 and the other in Whitefield in 1956. In addition he established two Super Specialty Hospitals one in Puttaparthi in 1991 and the other in Whitefield in 2001. In all of these hospitals the treatment is provided totally free of cost to all, rich or poor. The hospital doors are open without any discrimination of cast, colour or creed. (For further details see Annual Report, 2011-2012 and www.srisathyasai.org)
Heart Valve Bank (HVB)
The above ideals inspired individuals in the UK to establish the Heart Valve Bank (HVB) initially in London (see the History of HVB). It is the only Bank of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Heart Valve Bank’s Objectives
- Its primary aim is to provide artificial heart valves for the Sri Sathya Sai Hospitals in Puttaparthi, Whitefield and Rajkot and elsewhere in India as well as a number of developing countries.
- To save lives by bringing free health care to the poor without any discrimination of caste, colour or creed and to provide this assistance globally.
- To assist in relieving sickness and financial hardship, in regions of need worldwide by providing medical equipment, medicines and related services.
- To expand by establishing more branches in United Kingdom and in other countries.