Govind and Jyothi Rao donated to St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam.
By Raif Karerat
A brand new $18 million outpatient pavilion at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, New York, is slated to open on Oct. 12, thanks in part to a $1 million donation from Govind Rao and his spouse, Jyothi Rao.
The Indian origin family had previously pledged $250,000 to the facility at the start of its capital campaign last year, but increased it to $1 million last week, according to an announcement from St. Mary’s.
The facility, construction of which began last October, will include a Cancer Medicine Center with radiation oncology, medical oncology and infusion therapy, as well as the Women’s Breast Health Center, an expanded medical imaging center, laboratory services, outpatient registration, pre-surgical teaching and testing, and a new urgent care center, according to the Daily Gazette.
Rao runs a pediatric practice in Amsterdam. The medically-inclined family, which includes eight other pediatricians, founded the Neena Rao Charitable Corp. to support and promote health care and education for women and children in the United States and in India, where Rao still has many family members.
“This extraordinary gesture is affirmation of the great need and value of the new facility, and the incomparable commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Rao and their family to the health of our community,” Victor Giulianelli, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare, stated in a news release. “This gift is one of compassion; a legacy of their indelible and enduring spirit towards the future of our patients and the culture of care for our community.”