CRN Network, August 30, 2010, 1130 hrs
Cisco has handed over more than 500 houses to the Government of Karnataka and also launched remote specialist healthcare services, as part of the phase one of Project Samudaya.
An initiative by Cisco to rehabilitate communities in flood affected areas of Karnataka, Project Samudaya was launched in October 2009 with a $10 million commitment from Cisco. The public-private partnership program aims to construct 3,570 houses, two schools, and one primary health care center in the five flood-hit villages within a stipulated 2-year time frame.
The handing over ceremony was held in N Malkapur in Raichur district and was presided by BS Yeddyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Wim Elfrink, Chief Globalisation Officer and Executive Vice President, Cisco Services.
"I am pleased with our partnership with Cisco towards rehabilitation efforts in the flood-hit regions of Karnataka. Our collaborative effort and such public-private partnerships will help us realize our vision of rebuilding the lives of the flood victims and providing them a safer sustainable community," said Yeddyurappa.
“We are encouraged by the Government of Karnataka’s shared vision to rehabilitate and build sustainable communities in the flood-affected areas of Raichur. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in these communities by using technology to provide access to affordable healthcare and education services,” said Elfrink.
The more than 500 houses handed over by Cisco in N Malkapur and Khataknur villages of Raichur have been constructed as per the government guidelines and specifications, and the model design is based on the feedback received from the village residents.
As part of the MoU, remote specialist healthcare services were also launched in Gillesugur village, where Cisco is using the network as a platform to help bring remote healthcare and education services to these flood affected villages. The initial pilot services are now operational and have accelerated access to affordable, high-quality health care by connecting patients in Raichur remotely with medical providers in cities in a convenient and efficient way. The next phase is to make these services scalable, replicable and sustainable. |