Manipal, May 25, 2026: Access Life Assistance Foundation has launched a new ‘Home Away from Home’ (HAH) centre in Manipal to support paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients undergoing treatment at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
The 10-unit facility was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, at the MAHE Campus, Manipal, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education and with support from Chellaram Foundation. The centre has been designed to provide a safe and hygienic environment for children undergoing bone marrow transplant procedures, where controlled recovery conditions are critical.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, with Dr. Ashok Gavande as Chief Guest and Dr. Anand Venugopal as Guest of Honour. Several senior officials from Kasturba Hospital, MAHE and Access Life were also present.
This is Access Life’s second centre in partnership with MAHE. According to the organisation, its first 12-unit centre launched in Manipal in 2022 has supported nearly 350 beneficiaries.
Chellaram Foundation said, “Access Life Foundation stands out for its deeply compassionate and highly organized approach toward supporting children and families battling cancer. Their commitment goes far beyond providing accommodation—it creates dignity, stability, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a family’s life. At Chellaram Foundation, we value institutions where compassion is matched by accountability, and Access Life exemplifies both. We are confident that every contribution made toward their mission translates into meaningful and lasting impact.”
Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education said, “At MAHE, we have always believed that healthcare goes beyond medical treatment. Supporting children and families during difficult times is deeply aligned with the values and vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, who believed that compassionate and accessible healthcare should reach every section of society.”
Girish Nair, Founder & Chairman, Access Life Assistance Foundation said, “This second centre at Manipal Academy of Higher Education marks another important milestone in our journey of ensuring that no child is forced to discontinue cancer treatment because of non-medical challenges such as accommodation, nutrition, or distance from the treating hospital.”
Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor and Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal noted that the facility would help reduce treatment abandonment among children with cancer by addressing social and logistical barriers faced by families.
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