Life-size toon brings joy to children at PGI

CHANDIGARH: It was Doraemon at his best in PGI's advanced pediatric unit. The inflated cartoon character went about what it does best, making children smile. Laughter filled the ward, where some of the children are terminally ill.
Playful moments panned out in the ward and the OPD on Friday as NGO Nanhi Jaan ushered in an hour of celebrations in the department with Doraemon.The kids beamed, shaking hands with their dream robot cat. "Nanhi Jaan caters to underprivileged kids in slums and hospitals. Since its inception four years ago, the NGO has benefitted around 1,000 kids," said Dr Sandeep Chatwal, a founding member. He said the NGO celebrates most festivals with ailing kids, getting Mickey Mouse, Chota Bheem and puppets to entertain them."
With more than 800 members, Nanhi Jaan provides medication, equipment and sponsors surgeries of underprivileged children at PGI and Fortis. "We don't want any child to suffer because of lack of medical facilities or money," said another member, Karanvir Sibia.
"Activities like Children's Day are not conducted with money from donations. We contribute for these days and reserve donation money for tertiary healthcare," said Simrat Kaur, CA, also a member.