Former cricketer and Manipal Hospitals brand ambassador Rahul Dravid launched ‘Manipal Arogya Card’ at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre in the city on Tuesday.
During the interaction, Dravid said that the Manipal Group of Hospitals has made a social impact and has set a standard in health care. With Manipal Arogya card, health services at KMC hospitals have been made affordable, he said and hoped that the card will be helpful to a greater number of people.
Dravid said that he practised Yoga to keep himself fit mentally and physically.
Speaking on the representation of Karnataka in the national cricket team, he stated that there are good players in the state, such as K L Rahul, Manish Pande and Karun Nair. “K L Rahul is a good player and has made centuries in all formats. With all ups and downs, his overall performance is very good,” Dravid added.
He also hoped that the state team, which has made it to the semi-finals of the Ranji trophy, will make it to the finals this time.
Lauding the achievement of the Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, Dravid said that the credit to the wonderful performance of the team in Australia goes to the captain and the coach. “The balance of the team is very good. With its performance and consistency, the team stands second in the world,” he added.
“Indian cricket has come a long way from test to 20-20 cricket. There has, however, been a lot of transformation in all formats. The strike rate, which had been considered highest a few years ago, is now considered the lowest,” said Dravid.
Arogya Card
Saghir Siddiqui, KMC Hospitals regional chief operating officer, said that the patients at KMC Hospitals are benefiting from Manipal Arogya Card for the last 18 years.
“This year, the card will be issued for two years. Also, Manipal Hospital Goa will be included in the scheme. The cardholders can benefit from the medical and dental services in the KMC Hospitals in Mangaluru, Udupi, Karkala, Manipal and Goa. The card provides up to 50% concession on medical services at KMC Hospitals,” he explained.
Dravid inaugurated Foetal Medicine and Comprehensive Geriatric Department at KMC.
He visited the cricket camp at Manipal End Point cricket ground, organised by Robin Singh Sports Academy, MAHE and Udupi District Cricket Association. He met the participants and interacted with students at Mareena indoor stadium, Manipal. He shared his experiences as a cricketer, including being named ‘The Wall’ and the passion to play for the nation.
Dravid predicted that as the second best team in the world, India would reach the finals of the next World Cup.