Affordable Healthcare for Women in Rural India

Mann Deshi's healthcare program has been actively serving the community, with the healthcare center and diagnostic center combined catering to nearly 30 to 50 patients daily for various services including OPD, eye care, pathology, radiology, and physiotherapy. In the past three months alone, over 3500 patients have received care at the Mann Deshi diagnostic centers. Additionally, the organization conducted health camps, attending to over 1500 patients during this period.

The Mann Deshi Foundation's healthcare initiatives have expanded across several tehsils of Satara district. Notably, a recent partnership with the forest department of Maharashtra state and Sahyadri Tiger Reserve has facilitated impactful workshops. Over the past two months, Mann Deshi conducted two extensive workshops at the reserve.

In villages Niwali and Bamnoli, situated within the core zone of the tiger reserve where access to healthcare is limited, Mann Deshi's medical professionals conducted screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, and eye-related issues. Despite the challenging accessibility requiring a boat ride, followed by a walk and a bus ride, 45 patients were screened. Seven diabetes patients and 14 hypertension patients were identified, provided with necessary medications, and offered monthly follow-ups with tele doctors.

Another camp held in Akalpe and Pimpard village screened 138 patients for eye problems, blood pressure, and diabetes. Over 55 patients received prescription glasses, with more than half discovering they needed corrective lenses for the first time. Thirty patients were diagnosed with hypertension, and 24 with diabetes, many of whom were unaware of their conditions prior to the screening.

This partnership with the forest department aims to provide regular health check-ups and screenings every two months for eye care, diabetes, and hypertension to underserved populations, particularly those from nomadic tribal backgrounds lacking access to primary healthcare.

A compelling case study illustrates the impact of Mann Deshi's interventions. Kokare Tai, a 56-year-old resident of a forest core village, had been experiencing vision issues for four years. Through Mann Deshi's screening camp, she received a pair of eyeglasses. This simple intervention transformed her life, enabling her to navigate her village safely, even at night, and avoid potential dangers such as encountering snakes.

Mann Deshi's commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services is evident in its efforts to reach underserved communities and improve health outcomes for individuals like Kokare Tai.