Queens, NY
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens announced today that it has received a $1 million donation from local businessman Hari Hariharan. The donation will help fund new diabetes management services at the hospital and update related equipment, including a wide field camera for the ophthalmology clinic, and upgrades to existing exam rooms. Mr. Hariharan recently received his COVID-19 vaccine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in February and was extremely impressed by the kindness, professionalism, and efficiency of the staff, which encouraged his decision to make the donation. Mr. Hariharan is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NWI Management LP, an alternative investment adviser. The equipment and physical upgrades will be acquired by the summer.
“We are honored to accept this generous contribution from Mr. Hariharan on behalf of the central and southeast Queens communities,” said CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Neil J. Moore, MBA, MPA, FACHE. “After his experience at our hospital, Hari reached out to leadership to express his interest in making a donation that would help us address a major health concern impacting our local community. The fact is that diabetes is a prevalent health concern in the communities we serve, which is why our hospital has designated a Center of Excellence in Diabetes Management. I am confident that this funding will lead to improved management of patients and ultimately the saving of precious lives.”
“When I recently came to NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens to receive services, I was blown away by what I saw – a caring organization set amidst a magnificent, multicultural, and multiethnic community,” said Mr. Hariharan. “I observed a certain urgency to get things done, which I found impressive during a pandemic. It was an eye-opener for me, a moment of enlightenment. I am delighted to be able to contribute toward the hospital’s success in providing quality healthcare for the people of Queens County.”
“This substantial donation from Mr. Hariharan will positively impact the quality of care we provide our patients with diabetes, many of whom suffer from potentially blinding diabetic eye disease,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Director of Ophthalmology Ronni Lieberman, MD. “The best approach for these patients is to treat their condition proactively. One of the ways we can do this is by upgrading our diabetic ophthalmology services, both for diagnosis and treatment. These additions will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our patients.”
“As Chairperson of the NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Community Advisory Board, I would like to thank Mr. Hari Hariharan for his financial support of Queens Hospital,” said Queens Community Advisory Board Chair Anthony Andrews, PhD. “Diabetes has disproportionately impacted the surrounding communities and this significant donation will assist in addressing this critical issue. Thanks to the entire team who worked together to make this happen, and we again thank Mr. Hariharan for making NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens your personal choice for quality healthcare.”
The donation from Mr. Hariharan will help fund the following upgrades to NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens’ diabetes management services, which includes the ophthalmology clinic:
- Lumera Microscope: A device used to perform vitreo-retinal surgery in patients with diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the retina caused by diabetes that if left untreated can result in loss of vision;
- Wide Field Camera: A device utilized in the ophthalmology clinic to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, as well as other ocular conditions, by displaying images of blood vessels;
- Slit-Lamp Camera: A device used in the general examination of the eye and to capture images and findings digitally;
- Laser System: A device used to manage select ocular conditions, like cataracts and opacities, occurring on their own or as related to diabetes;
- Visual Field Machine: A device used in the general examination of the eye; and
- Upgrades to Exam Rooms: The nine examination rooms in the eye clinic will be updated, including replacing existing furniture and related computer software. This upgrade would benefit all eye clinic patients, particularly those with diabetic ocular complications.
“I commend Hari Hariharan for pledging this significant contribution to one of our community’s preeminent public healthcare facilities,” said New York State Senator Leroy G. Comrie Jr. “The enhancements funded by this donation will make an enormous impact on the quality of care for the thousands of diabetic patients who use NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens for their treatment. The tremendous medical staff and administrators of Queens hospital have worked valiantly throughout the pandemic and are well-deserving of this generous support.”
“Mr. Hariharan is a shining example of a New Yorker giving back to the community,” said New York State Assemblymember David I. Weprin. “His donation to the Center for Excellence in Diabetes Management at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens will save lives and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with diabetes. May we all learn from his example of generosity and compassion.”
“I would like to thank Mr. Hariharan for this most generous investment into our community,” said New York City Councilmember James F. Gennaro. “This donation for the diabetic ophthalmology services at the hospital expands their already extensive capabilities even further. Technology that can accurately detect diseases that stem from diabetes will give patients and physicians the chance to catch and treat degenerative problems before they develop further. I commend his most selfless gift to the people of New York City.”
Mr. Hariharan recently received his COVID-19 vaccine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in February after he became eligible. He was extremely impressed by the kindness, professionalism, and efficiency of the staff responsible for administering the vaccine, and was equally taken with the diverse makeup of the hospital community.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens has approximately 7,000 diabetic patients in its registry who come to the hospital’s Center of Excellence in Diabetes Management for care. The center offers a nutritionist, a diabetes educator to help patients achieve specific goals in the management of diabetes, and clinical research involving the diabetic population.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC, or visit us as https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/queens/.
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