By Shimona | Project Leader
The biggest healthcare challenge in rural India is the lack of accessible and affordable primary healthcare. Villages often face a shortage of doctors, clinics, and diagnostic services, while distance, high costs, and poor transport further limit access. For families surviving on daily wages, even basic treatment can become unaffordable, especially for women and children who are most vulnerable.
Mann Deshi Foundation introduced its Healthcare Programme to close this gap, with a particular emphasis on the needs of women and children. Through its Community Healthcare Centre, equipped with diagnostics, radiology, pathology, OPD, CT scans, and physiotherapy, alongside health camps, ambulance services, and specialized eye care for children, the initiative has provided support to over 42,000 people.
This report shares three real stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through Mann Deshi’s healthcare intervention.
Ranjana - Bringing Health Care to Your Doorstep
Ranjana, a resident of Lonar Khadke village, has spent her life working as a sugarcane cutter to support her four children—two daughters and two sons. After her husband passed away years ago, she continued the work alone, despite its challenges. During one such season, she fell into the stubble and began experiencing severe knee pain.She visited the local Hospital but got no relief. When the Mann Deshi Foundation’s health camp visited her village, Ranjana decided to consult the doctor. After an examination, she was advised to perform daily knee exercises and was given medication for the pain. Following this regimen regularly, she has experienced nearly 80% relief. Tasks like sitting and standing, once unbearable, are now manageable, and she no longer suffers from the constant pain that once brought tears to her eyes. Ranjana deeply values the support provided by Mann Deshi. With no nearby government services and limited mobility, reaching hospitals in town was almost impossible. Living alone, with her daughters married and her sons working in the fields, she had no one to accompany her to distant facilities. The Foundation’s regular visits to her village have made healthcare accessible and life significantly better. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the organization’s efforts in serving people like her.
Sunil - Inclusive Healthcare for All
Sunil and his wife, both are differently abled, and together they are raising two children. Despite his disability, he drives an auto-rickshaw to earn a living. After an accident, his mobility worsened, but attending Mann Deshi’s healthcare initiatives offered him a turning point. Through the Foundation’s healthcare services and camps, Sunil received treatment at highly subsidized rates, nearly 50% less than even government hospitals. He also attended a camp organized especially for persons with disabilities, where Mann Deshi provided not only medical support but also care, warmth, and hospitality, including food and tea for all attendees. Sunil speaks with pride about Mann Deshi’s work. While many organizations host camps, few offer such consistent, holistic, and affordable healthcare. Thanks to their intervention, he has regained mobility and continues to support his family with renewed confidence.
Amina - Affordable Expert Healthcare
Amina has battled diabetes for many years, with her sugar levels stubbornly remaining above 300. To manage her illness, she visited a doctor in town, but the cost of frequent check-ups and medicines was a heavy burden on her limited income as a laborer. On average, she spent nearly 1,500 a month, an expense that strained her household. Her situation changed when she discovered the Mann Deshi Community Healthcare Center. Since beginning treatment there, her sugar levels have reduced to 211, and she continues to see improvement. The affordability has also brought immense relief: sugar checks now cost only 60 (compared to 100 earlier), and medicines are available at far lower prices. Today, her monthly expenses for treatment have dropped to around 500, making it both sustainable and effective. Amina feels a renewed sense of hope and health, and she takes pride in knowing that an organization like Mann Deshi is working tirelessly to provide quality care for people with limited means.
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