Fr. Joy Koothur The Lovable Touch of Kindness

“Your value lies in not who you are, but in what you give to others.” This is the easiest way to describe the story of Father Joy Koothur in simple words. He is a true man of kindness. Let’s read an interview done by Sheeja Nair with this legend.

- Sheeja Nair

Please say few words about the origin of Shanthibhavan

It was a humble beginning. It was in the year 2014 to offer care to some bedridden patients in a remote village in Thrissur that the palliative care service was originally commenced. At that time, we never expected that this would grow this large.

Our team consists of priests, social workers, doctors and nurses specialised in the area of palliative care.

Initially, we went to houses as a team. That time, our service was limited to the normal working hours – between 9 am and 4 pm. Gradually, we recognised the urgent need to increase the potential of the service, as we were exposed to several realities during our visits to houses: the importance of hospital care, the necessity of 24 hours care and the failure of the system to recognise the importance of palliative care.

We reached a conclusion that it was important to open up a hospital with all the necessary facilities to serve bedridden patients.

On the light of that, we brought a five and half Acer plot in Pallissery, and erected a hospital for palliative care service – Shanthibhavan Palliative Hospital, Mountain of Mercy, Pallissery (Thrissur).

What are those things that keep this hospital different from others