Introduction

A woman leaves the medicine counter with a bag of tablets and folded papers. There’s no applause, no photo, no fuss. But in that small, quiet transaction lies a story of survival, dignity, and unseen impact.

For 30 years, Shamanam — the Free Medicine Support Program by Helping Hands — has been silently transforming lives across Kerala. Every month, over 700 patients go home with essential medicines in hand — free of cost, no questions asked.

But what really lies behind those strips of tablets?

More Than Medicine

When you hand over a cancer injection worth ₹5,000 or a psychiatric prescription renewed for the 12th time, you are not just providing medicine. You are:

• Restoring a family’s monthly budget

• Ensuring a caregiver’s peace of mind

• Giving a child their parent back

• Preventing another hospital readmission

• Keeping someone from falling deeper into poverty

Each pill distributed by Shamanam is a tiny act of intervention, stopping a chain reaction of suffering.

The Patients You Don’t See on Posters

The impact of Shamanam is not always dramatic. It’s often quiet, long-term, and deeply human.

🧓 Mrs. Lakshmi – Cancer Survivor, Ponnani

Every month, she travels to Calicut to collect her post-chemo medications. Her pension covers rent. Her meds come from Shamanam.

“I am not begging. I am being supported. That matters.”

🧠 Vivek – Mental Health Patient, Kozhikode

Abandoned by his family after his diagnosis, Vivek lives in a care home. His medicines are part of his stability — and Shamanam ensures he never misses a dose.

💓 Shahul – Cardiac Patient, Mukkam

After open-heart surgery, the doctor warned, “Don’t miss even a single day.” With a daily wage job and 4 kids, Shahul couldn’t afford the ₹3,000/month meds — until Shamanam stepped in.

These aren’t headlines — they’re the hidden ripples of compassion.

A Ripple Effect Across the State

In Kerala’s healthcare ecosystem, Shamanam plays a quiet but strategic role:

• Reduces hospital load by ensuring patient compliance

• Supports government care by bridging post-discharge gaps

• Protects mental health stability in underserved areas

• Delays dialysis or relapse by helping maintain medication schedules

• Reduces debt, distress, and dropout from treatment pathways

It’s not just about survival. It’s about continuing care.

The Volunteers Behind the Counter

Shamanam is also made possible by a community of unsung heroes:

• Pharmacists who verify every prescription with care

• Field workers who screen patients without bias

• Admin teams who manage medicine procurement like clockwork

• Donors who fund it quietly, month after month

They don’t seek recognition — because they know the reward is in impact, not praise.

In Numbers, In People

• 700+ patients/month

• ₹6–7 lakhs in monthly spending

• Over 3 decades of uninterrupted support

• Conditions covered: cancer, cardiac, mental illness, kidney, neurology, and more

But numbers only tell half the story. The real value lies in what those numbers prevent: pain, panic, and premature loss.

A Model of Silent Sustainability

In a world chasing visibility, Shamanam shows us the power of quiet consistency. No major campaigns. No spotlights. Just intentional giving, patient after patient, month after month.

That’s how real impact is made.

🙌 How You Can Support the Quiet Work

💖 Sponsor One Month of Medication

• ₹1,000 – Psychiatric Support

• ₹2,500 – Cardiac Patient

• ₹4,800 – Kidney Transplant

• ₹5,000 – Oncology Support

🔹 Help Sustain Our Annual Budget

• ₹6–7 lakhs/month | ₹80+ lakhs/year

• Join as a monthly donor or one-time supporter

🔗 Support Shamanam

🔗 Share a Story or Refer a Patient

Closing Thought

Not every life saved makes noise. Some just breathe a little easier each day — thanks to a strip of pills from someone who cared.

— A volunteer, Shamanam Desk, Calicut