Charitable Incorporated Organization Charity number: 1176271
EKAM UK
CIO Charity Report and financial statements For period 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023
Healthy Child, Healthy Community Love All, Serve All
Mission
No child should be denied the right to appropriate lifesaving healthcare due to financial or systemic constraints
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Reference and Administration details for the period ended 31 March 2023
Charity Name EKAM UK Registered charity 1176271 number Charity’s principal 12 Azure, 463 High Road address Harrow Weald, London HA3 6ED United Kingdom Trustees Trustees who served during the period from formation and up to the date of this report were as follows: Dr Ajay Kumar Kotagiri Vaikuntanath Balasubramanian Kakarla Dr Preetham Bodanna Dr Rajani Nalluri Dr Pavan Kumar Battu
Key Management Trustees as above Advisors (Technical) Dr Sailakshmi Balijepally (Deceased 16 Dec 2023) EKAM Foundation Old No 1A, New 3, 2[nd] Street Jaya Lakshmipuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34, Tami Nadu Professor Monica Lakhanpaul Professor of Integrated Community Child Health Honorary Consultant Paediatrician Whittington NHS Trust Pro Vice Provost South Asia UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH
Bankers
HSBC UK, 59-61, The Mall Stratford Centre, London, E15 1XF, United Kingdom
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Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 March 2023
The trustees of EKAM UK (the ‘charity’) present their 5th annual report and financial statements as a charitable incorporated organization (CIO) for the charity’s period ended 31 March 2023.
Reference and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the charity’s constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities – SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.
The charity was registered with the Charity Commission as a CIO on 14 December 2017.
Objectives and activities
The trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aim and objectives and in planning its future activities, in particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.
Purpose and aims
The charity was established for the promotion and protection of good health for public benefit by providing financial and technical assistance and support to charities, social organisations, medical centres and non-profit organisations in UK and India who are involved/engaged in providing health care, education care and support to neonates, infants, young adults and mothers including providing food, medicines, equipment, training, research grants/facilities and knowledge sharing.
We aim to support projects primarily related to saving lives of babies, young children and young mothers, ranging from 0-19 years. We do so, by partnering with organisations who provide medical treatment and health care and by providing various types of support.
We seek out partnerships with organisations who put vulnerable babies and young children/mothers at the centre of their work, as well as responding to requests for funding that come to us via various channels (e.g., website, emails, references).
We will fund or apply for grants for both new and existing charities and organisations, small, medium, or large, provided they can demonstrate the difference they are making.
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We aim to, from our interactions and references provided, develop a network with a view to connecting people through shared values. This would further provide opportunities for subject matter experts to share their skills and knowledge. Not only to help a particular project, but also provide a way to reduce the operational costs for organisations by sharing resources.
We also aim to partner with organisations who can provide vocational and technical training to vulnerable children post treatment to enable them to return to normalcy. To further these objectives, we aim to connect with corporates for their support via their CSR initiatives or for subsidies, to a wider donor community for financial support and with training institutes/organisations.
The charity welcomes applications for joint work with other organisations and will work in partnership with other grant-makers wherever possible.
To ensure full transparency, we aim to ensure that 100% of donations/funded grants reach the intended recipient/organisation and will pursue other channels (e.g., sponsorships, Corporate CSR, crowd funding, goodwill payments etc.) to support our administration process. We will do this by sharing resources with partners, and enlisting volunteers as much as possible.
Network / Partnerships
We will partner with organisations who share our vision that no child should be denied the right to appropriate, life-saving health care due to financial or systematic constraints. The trustees and their network will initially identify and reach out to organisations in the UK and India who have aligned objectives to identify opportunities to work together. Through an expanded network and introductions made via networking, presentations will be made to create awareness and identify projects/avenues where the charity and its partners can provide aid or assistance.
We will formalise key partnerships via a formal MOU, recognising the need for interorganisational co-operation to identify, communicate and interact with UK based institutional funding bodies, corporations, organisations, doctors and other professionals introduced by our associates and partners including International Chapters, well-wishers and associates across the world.
For example, an MOU would cover:
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Applying for financial assistance (grants) on behalf of a charity (for its projects)
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Providing financial assistance to and/or fund raising on behalf of a charity
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Conducting research
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Facilitation of training, exchange programs
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Exchange of best practices, including on-site & off-site training
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Consulting services for specific objectives (e.g. cost reduction, process optimisation, Health Management & Training practices, Health Advisory, Community Reach, Risk Management, Financial Management etc.)
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Policy on grant making
Applicants can apply via email, schedule on-site meetings, filled-in applications, referral organisations (hospitals, charities, social organization, foundations etc.), website etc.
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Trustees will evaluate each request on a case to case basis prior to taking a decision to ensure (a) the reasonableness of the assistance sought and (b) the alignment with the charity objectives
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Trustees will evaluate proposals based on a number of criteria and information from applicants, including:
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Number of beneficiaries – neo-nates, children, expectant mothers
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Nature of preventive programs, scope and coverage
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Cost of treatments of each type of treatment/reasonableness of charges.
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The nature of grants would typically:
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provide funds for specific projects or towards general activities carried out by charities, social/not-for-profit organizations in the UK and India
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oapprove fund raising activities to support the charity’s projects.
Trustees will work closely with chosen organisations to prepare and present proposals to grant-making bodies and corporates for aid towards the identified projects in the UK and India
Outlook and Opportunities
UN Projects
Action Line 8 towards economic growth (by empowering support groups involved in health and social care generate surplus which provides for their sustenance as well as towards community programs:
EKAM aims to promote economic growth through the empowerment of support groups in the health and social care sector. These support groups may be able to generate surplus revenue through their operations, which can be used to sustain the group and also contribute to community programs.
This approach to economic growth is focused on supporting and empowering local organizations and communities, rather than relying on top-down, centralized efforts. By enabling these support groups to generate surplus revenue, they can become self-sustaining and potentially even expand their operations, which can contribute to the overall economic development of the community.
It is important to ensure that any support provided to these groups is done in a way that is fair and transparent, and that the surplus revenue generated is used in a responsible and accountable manner to benefit the community. It may also be
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helpful to establish clear goals and metrics to measure the success of the program and track its impact on economic growth.
Action Line 3 for good health and well-being by identifying sources & providing more grants towards research & development, supply of medical equipment or enhancing primary care medical facilities:
EKAM aims to improve health outcomes by identifying and addressing key sources of health problems, and providing support for research and development, medical equipment, and primary care facilities. This approach can help to increase access to high-quality health care and support the development of effective and innovative treatments and technologies.
There are several ways that this program could be implemented, depending on the specific needs and priorities of the community or region. For example, the program could provide grants to support research and development efforts in areas such as disease prevention, treatment, and public health. It could also provide funding for the purchase of medical equipment or the enhancement of primary care facilities, such as clinics and hospitals.
It is important to ensure that any grants or funding provided through this program are used in an effective and efficient manner, and that they are targeted towards addressing the most pressing health needs in the community. It may also be helpful to establish clear goals and metrics to measure the success of the program and track its impact on health outcomes.
EKAM is focused on improving health and well-being by increasing funding for research and development, supplying medical equipment, and enhancing primary care medical facilities.
Investing in research and development can help to identify new and innovative approaches to improving health outcomes, as well as developing new treatments and therapies. Providing funding for medical equipment can help to ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary tools and resources to deliver high-quality care. Enhancing primary care medical facilities can also improve access to healthcare for individuals, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
Overall, these efforts can contribute to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life for individuals and communities. It is important to ensure that the funding provided for these initiatives is used effectively and efficiently to achieve the desired goals and outcomes. It may also be helpful to establish clear metrics to measure the success of the program and track its impact on health and well-being.
– Participation in Healthcare system Opportunities
The pandemic and fast changing technological environment in healthcare system is presenting a lot of opportunities and the challenges in the following areas. It has
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also brought to the fore importance of Public Healthcare Support Systems including Vaccination, Digital Infrastructure, Trained resources and quick access to community volunteers.
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Providing quality and affordable healthcare for all and especially for the rural and inaccessible areas.
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Healthcare system asset management in view of the increased energy costs.
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Health care information system management and most importantly
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Knowledge, training, and management of healthcare providers.
Focus Areas
EKAM UK will be looking towards opportunities in areas of heart health, hypertension, juvenile diabetes, cancer, skin diseases etc.
EKAM UK will aim to identify areas in terms of providing technical training / support projects in short / medium term) including as subject matter experts sharing information & involvement in intervention, expansion & including educational projects.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, and when this process is impaired, it leads to high blood sugar.
EKAM UK will look to conduct free health camps in major towns and cities in UK as part of commitment to promote health and well-being in 2024.
Challenges faced
Access to funds is the most important challenge coupled with awareness, training and building sustainable healthcare.
Health, hygiene, and sanitation play a very crucial role in the disease prevention and the maintenance of toilet facilities is a big challenge in schools and hospitals.
Others
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Building NUTRI gardens in health centres
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MITS (Mother and Infant Tracking System)
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Dear Child ( Chella Pillai ) scheme in which the babies discharged from SNCU are monitored closely with Village health nurse
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Awareness and Training programmes for adolescent girls
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Equipment supports to government hospitals
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Create immediate impact and along with direct fund support to the babies treatment
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Building mentors across geographical areas with livelihood support, scholarship and incentivisation model who in turn can run awareness and training programmes
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Making EKAM website as one stop trustworthy knowledge provider for Mothers and Children by integrating experts, govts and community
Other opportunities
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Digital outreach - Focussing on moving digitally and exploring hybrid solutions to bridge the gap, with learnings from the global pandemic.
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Fostering exchanges visits of specialists, consultants, doctors, and nurses from (resource & skills) abundantly rich countries like India to the UK or wherever the demand needs to be strategically met.
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Kindle more number of entities across the UK & India to be a vital part of combating child healthcare financial constraints that are being a barrier.
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Exploring technology and tools that enables & delivers better understanding of vital health indicators, provides for storing and retrieving medical records, dissemination of information and for use in medical research & training.
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Towards capacity building and bridging between the countries and the needy
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Closer Home projects in UK (select charities) – to support mental health, heart care, juvenile diabetes as examples.
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Supporting infrastructure projects (e.g., hospitals, medical colleges which are linked to social programs, and related community health, research, technical training, knowledge share.
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Continue drive for C-19 response
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Provide Health Consulting in areas of knowledge share by subject matter experts, community health program implementation, risk management and governance, medical infrastructure, operational best practices & financial management.
Ongoing Programs
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Friends of EKAM’, providing a platform for the supporters of the charity to be actively involved in technical work, research, discussions, and fundraising.
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EKAM continues to be a mentor of Young Ambassadors, as a as a platform for youngsters to get involved in the charity’s projects and mentor of Share A Smile (SAS), an initiative from UK’s children group.
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EKAM will support artists / subject matter experts in various disciplines by engaging with them to promote EKAM cause
Achievements and performance
Partnerships
We had entered a MOU with EKAM Foundation, India in 2018.The charity and EKAM Foundation share the vision that no child should be denied right to appropriate,
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lifesaving healthcare due to financial or systematic constraints. The MOU has been further extended till Mar 2026.
The said MOU provides for:
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Jointly exploring grant opportunities/aid towards projects and events carried out in India towards caring and saving lives of babies, children and young mothers, recognising the need for inter organisational co-operation for identification, communication and interaction with UK based organisations, doctors and other professionals of Indian Origin, introduced by EKAM Foundation or its other partners including International Chapters, wellwishers and associates across the world.
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Building on network developed & organic reach via the above activities.
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The following specific areas of work and support:
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Providing financial assistance and/or fundraising
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Conducting research
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Facilitation of training, exchange programs
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Exchange of best practices, including on-site & off-site training
During the reporting period, an amount equivalent to £ 20,002 was incurred towards providing equipment and books. This was implemented by EKAM Foundation and included under payments.
This included providing a video bronchoscope equipment and accessories to Aurangabad Government Medical College and Hospital, Maharashtra, which is used in the treatment and management of various respiratory illnesses.
This hospital is recognised as a dedicated Covid-19 hospital for Aurangabad and nearby districts, with 900 beds for management of Covid patients.
Medical equipment is an essential health intervention tool used by medical professionals for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and for rehabilitation of patients.
Initiatives
We continue to support the following ongoing initiatives
Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) (The 1[st] 1000 Days)
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are an important period for growth & cognitive development. Effective intervention in early life have potential to reduce the growth of short- & long-term conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
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The NEON programme is an NIHR-funded multiphase project with an aim to optimise infant feeding, care, and dental hygiene practices of South Asians (SA) infant in East London using the WHO-recommended PLA cycle. NEON comprises of the following phases, with interaction with academics, experts in PLA cycle & multilingual community-facilitators.
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Formative and feasibility study
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Intervention Development (ID) – development of PLA cycle toolkit in partnership with communities eg development of culturally tailored recipe book led by communities
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Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in in East London (London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Waltham Forest
The NEON programme supports the EKAM vision to improve maternal and child healthcare needs in a cost efficient, community oriented and sustainable manner, and we will be providing support in engagement with community in East London, advisory role being part of the NEON steering team & providing inputs on policy making.
- Children in Homeless Accommodation Managing Pandemic Invisibility Or Non inclusive Strategies (CHAMPIONS)
Champions is a national initiative (national project) funded by Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to study the impacts of COVID-19 on children and their families in temporary accommodation (TA) conditions experiencing homelessness & come up with recommendations. It is led by University College London alongside De Montfort University in partnership with EKAM UK, Public Health Arts & US, The Children’s Society, the British Association for Community Child Health, and others. The project is funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council and others.
Together with families and professionals, the team will co- develop a website to share knowledge about the impact of Covid-19 on the children and families and recommendations for health, education, housing services and to influence policy.
The Champions programme supports the EKAM vision to improve maternal and child healthcare needs in a cost efficient, community oriented and sustainable manner. EKAM will also be involved in community engagement and participation in policy writing & an active role in the steering committee.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties. The public benefit of the charity’s activities is supporting and enablement of efforts in saving lives of babies, young children and mothers and these were achieved principally by the award of grants and donations.
Funds materially in deficit
There are none to report.
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Risks
Due to the initial stage of the charity, the trustees have assessed the key risks to be operations and finances and are satisfied that process is in place to manage these risks as follows:
Operations
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The key operational risk is damage to the charity’s name due to incorrect selection of partners or inadequate utilisation of grants.
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This is addressed by due diligence checks done (i) through references obtained by trustees prior to engagement with external parties and (ii) by obtaining project status reports from grant receivers.
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A grant and operations committee is being established to ensure trustee oversight over potential donor/grant recipients, funding sources and potential service providers.
Finance
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The key financial risk is insufficient funding to meet grant or operational expenses.
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This is addressed by trustees focussing on collaborative projects for fundraising and diversify revenue streams to ensure there is no overreliance on income from one source.
Structure, governance, and management
Financial review
The results for the charity were in line with the trustees’ expectations, as the charity’s operations are in initial stages. The charity will continue to focus on project-based funding, i.e., applying for grants or undertaking fundraising activities based on the projects identified and agreed with the recipient partner. Fundraising for general funds will continue to be through social networking and events.
Trustee selection & appointments
Trustees are identified from the medical community, accounting/management professionals and persons with links to the corporate community and experienced in strategy and operations, finance, fundraising, donor management, social media, communication, and campaigning.
Trustees will be responsible for the overall work of the charity, including internal administration and compliance with all laws and regulations in the UK. Trustees will meet periodically and decide on fundraising, invite proposals, evaluate proposals, arrange for fund transfer through banking channels and monitor outcomes.
Initial trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years (subject to re-appointment). New trustees are appointed for an initial term of 3 years. Trustee appointments and renewed appointments are by way of resolution passed at the trustee meeting. The charity will have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 12 trustees as per its constitution.
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Remuneration policy for trustees
No payments were made to trustees in the reporting period.
Investment policy
Due to the currently small size of the charity and scale of its operations, there is none to report at the time of this report.
Reserves policy
The charity does not have a reserves policy as its operations are in its early stages. The excess of income over expenditure is included within the general reserve of and is represented as balance in bank account.
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Additional Information
Objectives of the charity
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1) To save children and expectant mothers from poorer sections of the society, by providing appropriate and timely medical help.
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2) To undertake epidemiological, anthropological, translational and cross-cultural research concerning women and children’s medical needs as well health delivery institutions.
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3) To help train medical and paramedical personnel in the delivery of preventive and curative health care.
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4) To facilitate medical professional partnership between the UK and India.
| To provide financial assistance |
• Towards health care/medical expenses for children (0-19) and mothers • For research & development • Towards medical equipment, equipment maintenance, lab equipment and medical supplies in under-resourced health care facilities • To support grass root level projects that encompass suitable community level interventions that would benefit the holistic well-being of the community • Towards the training of medical and non-medical personnel engaged/to be engaged inpursuit of the charity’s objectives |
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| To provide technical assistance |
• For exchange visits of doctors, nurses and other personnel from the UK to India/other countries and vice versa for research, training and support • To develop/participate in local service projects relating to health care/development • To provide online/teleconferencing support to aid diagnosis and provide adequate clinical pathway in needy areas • To contribute to the use of technology in data management and consolidation of anyresearch/field level health data |
| To provide information/training |
• For public lectures and awareness programs within different communities and organisations • To develop and support awareness through education and preventive program • For intervention programs to address specific medical related issues in the community (e.g. children with acute malnutrition) • To conduct seminars and medical conferences to impart knowledge and information on reforms in Maternal & Child Health (MCH) and related practices across the globe |
| To provide administrative support |
• To provide administration support and management strategy for charities/social organisations of a similar nature |
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EKAM UK – Charity Number - 1176271
Statement of Financial Activities – For the period 1 April 2022 31 March 2023
| Note | Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Endowment Funds |
Total Funds P/E 31 Mar 23 |
Total Funds Prior Period |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBP £ | GBP £ | GBP £ | GBP £ | GBP £ | |||
| Income & Expenditure | |||||||
| Receipts | |||||||
| Donations received | 1 | 22,235 | - | - | 22,235 | 2,717 | |
| Total Income | 22,235 | - | - | 22,235 | 2,717 | ||
| Payments | |||||||
| Donations made | 20,002 | - | - | 20,002 | 200 | ||
| Fees & other expenses |
312 | - | - | 312 | 337 | ||
| Total Payments | 20,314 | - | - | 20,314 | 537 | ||
| Excess of Receipts over Expenditure transferred to Reserve |
1,921 | - | - | 1,921 | 2,180 | ||
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 March 2023 | |||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Bank Account | 2 | 14,260 | - | - | 14,260 | 12,339 | |
| Funds with Partner Organisation |
3 | 3,835 | - | - | 3,835 | 23,837 | |
| Total Assets | 18,095 | 18,095 | 36,176 | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||||
| Deferred Income | 4 | 3,835 | - | - | 3,835 | 23,837 | |
| Total Assets less Liabilities (Net Assets) |
14,260 | - | - | 14,260 | 12,339 | ||
| Funds Represented by General Reserve |
5 | 14,260 | - | - | 14,260 | 12,339 |
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Notes to Financial Statements
1. Donations received
This represents donations received from individuals and corporates and recognized as income for the period.
Donations include £20,002 which is recognised in reporting period representing project completed in reporting period. (refer to Note 4). This is also included in the payments for reporting period.
2. Advances to Partner Organization
Amount represents the advances made for projects that will be implemented by EKAM Foundation, our partner organization in India during the 1 April 2022 – 31 December 2024. Individual proposals will be reviewed and approved by EKAM UK before execution.
3. Bank Account
Amount represents the balance in HSBC UK account in name of EKAM UK.
4. Deferred Income
Refer to Note 2 above. This will be recognised as income in the period in which the project is completed or when the performance-related conditions are met. Ongoing & completed projects will be reviewed by Trustees. During current period, an amount of £19,540 was recognised as current year income, representing project completed during the reporting period.
5. General Reserve
| Opening balance at beginning of year Excess of receipts over payments during the year Closing balance at end of the year |
Y/E March 23 GBP £ 12,339 1,921 14,260 |
Y/E March 22 GBP £ 10,159 2,180 12,339 |
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Declaration by Trustees
The trustees declare that they have approved the above trustees’ report.
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Vaikuntanath Balasubramanian Kakarla
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Rajani Nalluri
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Pavan Kumar Battu
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Preetham Boddana
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Ajay Kumar Kotagiri
Date: 22 January 2024
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