Ronald McDonald House Charities India Opens Ronald McDonald Family Room In BJ Wadia Hospital

McDonald’s has launched its India Chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities with the opening of a Ronald McDonald Family Room in the BJ Wadia Hospital for Children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities: The Background

The Ronald McDonald House Charities is an independent corporation which works to provide care and resources for children and families being served by leading hospitals worldwide.

It does this through three programs; the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

The Indian Chapter Of RMHC

The Indian chapter of the corporation or the Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation India was established as a non-profit corporation under section 8 (1) of the Companies Act in 2013.

The initiative was launched by the inauguration of the Ronald McDonald Family Room on September 20th at Wadia Hospital’s Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Department which is one of India’s best known hospitals for Paediatric care.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room

The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide families a retreat space which will allow them to unwind and combat depression and stress. It has a lounge area with flat screen television, desktops with internet access, a play and activity area for children and clean bathrooms.

Thanks to Coca-Cola India Pvt Ltd, Cargill India and Vista Processed Foods Private Ltd, the room will also offer hot beverages, clean drinking water and appliances and electronics for families of the patients. The room will be open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and will be accessible free of cost for any children receiving treatment as well as their families.

Commenting at the opening, Ms. Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, RMHC India said, “When a family is faced with the overwhelming stress of a child in the hospital, it’s not just the child that needs strength. While doctors and nurses are busy caring for the child, many times there isn’t anyone caring for the family. A child’s illness can be debilitating for the entire family – emotionally, financially and physically. This new facility represents the beginning of a tremendous partnership between RMHC India and BJ Wadia Hospital for Children. Through this program, we will be able to provide a calm, restful environment where families can relax and regroup while finding the support and encouragement needed to manage better with the uncertainty that comes with the illness of a child. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will improve parents’ ability to advocate for their children.”

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital & B J Wadia Hospital for Children said, “Over 50% of the children treated at the Hematology-Oncology department travel from remote and rural areas in India due to lack of healthcare facilities. Research shows that a family’s presence helps children heal faster and cope better. Having a Ronald McDonald Family Room can be an important part of the healing process and will provide a positive and calming experience for patients and their families.

We are delighted to be associated with Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation India (RMHC India), to facilitate compassionate care and comprehensive treatment to children and their families under one roof. In my 30 years of experience, I feel privileged that with the launch of Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation India (RMHC India), we have an opportunity to achieve the highest standards of healthcare for children and their families.”

Through this initiative, Ronald McDonald House Charities India aims to touch the lives of 25,000 families. As well as building the Ronald McDonald family room, Hardcastle Restaurants, the Master Franchise for McDonald’s in West and South India has funded and helped refurbish the OPD facility in the hospital, which is spread across 2500 square feet.