Ravinder Soni, 75, of Monroe was struggling with foot pain, gastrointestinal problems and arthritis in her knees, back and shoulders. She also had cataracts and needed to see an ophthalmologist. Finding medical care wasn’t easy, though. Ravinder, who is originally from India, speaks Punjabi and Hindi, and her English is limited. So when she discovered that Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC) offers a program designed to assist Indian patients with access to medical care, it was welcome news. The Indian Medical Program was launched by MMCSC and Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in February.
"We continually look for new and unique ways to deliver health care to those who need it, and the Indian Medical Program is an excellent example of this,” says Frank J. Vozos, MD, FACS, Chief Executive Officer at MMCSC. “Our team of world-class doctors, exceptional nurses, highly skilled technologists, therapists, ancillary and support personnel work together to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care at every encounter—and always with compassion and respect.” The Indian Medical Program is modeled on two other RWJBarnabas Health programs that help patients overcome barriers to health care.
"We started the Chinese Medical Program 10 years ago to help the Chinese community find medical care, and it was very successful, says Punam Jain, a patient navigator and coordinator of the Indian Medical Program. “After that, we launched the Russian Medical Program. This year, we decided to expand the program to the Indian community.”
Census figures show that about 16,000 Indian people live in Monmouth and Ocean counties. “The Indian community is very large in New Jersey, and I’ve seen firsthand the barriers people face when seeking health care in our region,” says Jain. “In addition, as Asian Indians, we’re at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which require attention and care.
A support system
Jain helps Ravinder find physicians and accompanies her to appointments to translate and facilitate communication. Ravinder doesn’t drive, so Jain arranges transportation to appointments. She also schedules follow-up visits and assists with insurance issues and paperwork "Every aspect of my health care is being taken care of,” says Ravinder via translation. “I’m so thankful for Punam. This program is really a support system for me.” So far, Jain has helped about 20 Indian patients obtain much-needed medical care. She says the new program is already having a significant impact.
"When I accompany patients to appointments, they feel so much more comfortable," she says. I’m proud of our efforts to help the community." Now that Ravinder doesn’t face language barriers to health care, she’s receiving the medical attention she needs, and her health is improving," I’m feeling much better," she says. "I’ve been going to physical therapy, which has helped my back pain and shoulder pain tremendously. And I’m planning to have cataract surgery soon.”
To learn more, call the Indian Medical Program hotline at: 732.923.6361.