Several mothers working at the institutions within the Medical College Hospital (MCH), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, campus are heaving a sigh of relief. They can now have their little ones close by at the crèche facility offered within the campus, for a nominal amount of Rs 2000 per month or Rs 100 a day.
Functioning above the parking lot meant for the hospital staff, the crèche makes it possible for working mothers to check on their little ones in between work. It caters to the kids of contract staff, cleaners, nurses as well as doctors.
About Rs 25 lakh from the local area-development fund was used to set up the crèche. Though it was inaugurated two years back, the formal functioning began a year ago. The facility now boasts of about 40 children, who are looked after by qualified staff appointed on the basis of their experience in childcare. The crèche is busier during the vacations when schools are closed and children have to find other ways to keep them occupied. The little ones admitted to the creche are taught to read and write and recite rhymes. The crèche also has a proper play area, enough toys, and a very welcoming environment with cartoon characters and animal motifs on the walls.
The children are allowed to bring their books from home to study. They also carry their own food from home, which is served to them at the creche. The SAT Hospital Development Society also contributes a fixed sum every month towards maintenance of the facility.
