Date: 11th September 2024
Location: Adhav, Raksha, and Patkhu, District Amravati, Maharashtra
Medical Practitioner: Dr. Sophy T. Erniakulathil (M.D.)
Partner Organization: Daya Sagar Hospital Trust, Dharni, District Amravati, Maharashtra
Addressing Health Inequities in Rural India
In rural India, basic healthcare remains a distant dream for many. Villages like Adhav, Raksha, and Patkhu, located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, are home to families who struggle with preventable health issues. Malnutrition, scabies, and anemia are widespread, and these challenges are exacerbated by limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of education on hygiene, and insufficient resources to address these issues.
Shocking statistics reveal that 90% of children in Adhav suffer from scabies, a highly contagious yet preventable skin condition, while many children across these rural communities face severe nutritional deficiencies, hindering their growth and development. The situation calls for urgent intervention, and that’s where Sadaya Foundation, in collaboration with Daya Sagar Hospital Trust, stepped in.
On 11th September 2024, a Health Camp was organized to bring much-needed healthcare services, diagnosis, and education to these underserved villages. Over 227 patients were treated, with a focus on tackling the most common health issues affecting the children and adults in these communities.
Objective of the Health Checkup
The primary aim of the health checkup was to identify and address several health concerns prevalent in these rural communities, particularly among children aged 7 to 12 years. The focus was on diagnosing:
Malnutrition
Vitamin deficiencies
Anemia
Growth and developmental issues
The health camp also emphasized providing necessary supplements to support children's growth and improve their overall health, ensuring they have the nutritional foundation for a healthier future.
Treating Urgent Health Concerns
The health camp, led by Dr. Sophy T. Erniakulathil, a renowned medical practitioner from Daya Sagar Hospital Trust, served as a lifeline for the residents of Adhav, Raksha, and Patkhu. The camp focused on diagnosing and treating common health issues, offering immediate care and long-term solutions for better health outcomes.
Key Health Issues Addressed:
Scabies:
Prevalence: A staggering 90% of children and adults in Adhav were diagnosed with scabies.
Causes: Poor hygiene practices, including infrequent bathing, playing without washing hands, and lack of proper sanitation, were the leading causes. The camp also identified the use of certain cosmetic products, like lipsticks, as risk factors.
Concerns: Scabies is highly contagious, and many families were unaware of its implications and the need for proper medical treatment. Immediate treatment was provided, and education on hygiene was a key focus.
Eye and Ear Infections:
Prevalence: Approximately 10% of patients suffered from eye and ear infections caused by poor hygiene and unclean living conditions.
Treatment: Medications were prescribed, and hygiene education was provided to prevent future infections.
Respiratory Problems:
Prevalence: Many children were diagnosed with common respiratory issues like colds and coughs.
Causes: Environmental factors, coupled with poor hygiene practices, contributed to these conditions.
Treatment: Basic respiratory care was provided, and families were educated on maintaining a cleaner living environment.
Anemia and Stunted Growth:
Prevalence: A significant number of children were found to be anemic and showed signs of stunted growth.
Causes: Poor nutrition, especially the consumption of unhealthy snacks in place of balanced meals, was identified as a major factor contributing to anemia and stunted growth.
Intervention: Nutritional education was provided to parents, with a focus on promoting healthy, home-cooked meals and supplementation for children in need.
Health Camp Breakdown:
Adhav: 90 patients (Children: 58, Adults: 32)
Raksha: 59 patients (Children: 35, Adults: 24)
Patkhu: 78 patients (Children: 35, Adults: 43)
Total Patients: 227 (128 children and 99 adults)
Male Patients: 104 (Including male children)
Female Patients: 123 (Including female children)
The camp served 128 children who were the most vulnerable group. These children were not only treated for immediate health concerns but also educated on basic hygiene practices and the importance of a balanced diet.
A Vision for Healthier, Thriving Communities
Imagine a future where children in rural India no longer suffer from preventable diseases like scabies and anemia. A future where families have the knowledge and resources to maintain good health, and children grow up with the nutrition and care they need to thrive.
This vision is within reach, and Sadaya Foundation is committed to bringing it to life through long-term initiatives that go beyond just treating illnesses. Our focus is on community empowerment and health education to create lasting change in the lives of rural families.
Moving forward, we will focus on:
Awareness Campaigns:
We are organizing community-wide education on personal hygiene, proper handwashing, and nutrition to prevent diseases like scabies and anemia.
Sadaya Foundation is also partnering with local leaders to ensure this information is effectively spread across the communities.
Capacity Building for Educators:
Local educators will undergo specialized training by Daya Sagar Hospital Trust in health education, nutrition, and hygiene. This program will equip Sadaya Foundation educators with the knowledge to help families and children adopt healthier lifestyles, improving overall well-being in the community.
Follow-Up Health Camps:
Ongoing care will be provided through follow-up health camps to monitor the health of individuals who received treatment, particularly those with chronic conditions like scabies and anemia.
These camps will also track the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and ensure children are on the path to recovery.
Promotion of Healthy Eating Habits:
Families will be encouraged to make healthier food choices by reducing the consumption of packaged snacks and focusing on nutritious home-cooked meals.
Workshops and cooking demonstrations will be conducted to teach families how to prepare healthy, affordable meals.
Nutritional Support Programs:
Nutritional supplements will be provided to children suffering from anemia and growth issues, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients they need for healthy development.
Educational resources on affordable nutrition will also be shared with families to ensure sustainable, long-term health improvements.
Join Us in Creating Change
While the health camp marked a significant step toward improving healthcare in these communities, there is still much work to be done. Rural India needs your support to continue this mission of empowering families and improving health outcomes. You can make a difference by:
Donating to sustain our health camps, nutritional support programs, and health education initiatives.
Volunteering your time or expertise to assist with health initiatives or help spread awareness in other rural areas.
Spreading the Word about Sadaya Foundation and our mission to improve health in underserved communities.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of families in Adhav, Raksha, Patkhu, and beyond. Join Sadaya Foundation today to help bring healthier futures to rural communities across India.
Stay updated on our progress and future health camps by visiting our website. Let’s create a healthier tomorrow, today.
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