Introduction

The comprehensive nature of the ‘Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp’ as also the efforts put together by Shraddhavan volunteers, for its surveys, study, planning and organization of the event is really astounding. Various organizations conduct medical camps in many parts of the country. However, the ‘Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp’ aims to focus not just on providing heath check-ups and distributing free medicines, but on the eradication of the root cause of all the health issues altogether. The primary theme of this camp is to encourage preventive measures, rather than curing the diseases after infection. An in-depth and extensive research is undertaken before conducting the camp, the planning for which continues throughout the year, where all the potential issues are reviewed from each and every angle.

One may ask as to why the foundation selected Pendakhale village alone for organizing the Medical camp?’. Pendakhale and its neighbouring villages, which are situated just 30 kilometres away from the Kolhapur city, were suffering from extremely critical cases of malnutrition and other health issues. Several villagers were plagued by serious financial difficulties. The living conditions of the villagers, met the criteria established to qualify for organizing the medical camp. At the same time, the availability of a strong team of disciplined Shraddhavan volunteers in large numbers, in Kolhapur and its surrounding areas resulted in the selection of the Pendakhale region for setting up the Medical Camp. In 2004, the first-ever camp was organized in the Karanjphen village, which is situated near Pendakhale. Later from the year 2005, the Camp is organized at the Pendakhale village itself.

Dr. Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi also known as Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu, is a highly qualified Physician, an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine). Bapu commenced his activities in social work under the Dilasa Medical Trust from the year 1985, and has undertaken many social causes through the foundation. The medical camp is one such important initiative.

Prior to the Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp, the organisation would arrange for a Medical and Healthcare Camp at Methi village - a predominantly tribal area in the Dhule district. It greatly  improved the health and living conditions of the tribal hamlets in and around the Methi village. The villagers became wary of health issues which developed a higher level of confidence among them. Subsequently, with experience gained from the Methi Medical Camps, the Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp initiative was undertaken. With scientifically-backed comprehensive surveys conducted in the area, the camp thus, commenced.

    

Although it is a 2-day camp, the preparations for it continue throughout the year. About 4,000 Shraddhavan volunteers are available to offer services at the camp, which include about 1,000 volunteers from Mumbai. They also include expert medical professionals as well as the paramedical staff.