by Fr Mayank Parmar for BIS Mumbai 

DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, in collaboration with the Don Bosco Past Pupil Unit of Kawant, organized a general health check-up camp with free distribution of medicines at Jambal Faliya, Saidivasan. The camp aimed to reach people living in remote areas with little access to healthcare facilities. 

The camp was inaugurated in the presence of several dignitaries, including Sarpanch Jatanbhai Rathwa, members of the village panchayat, primary school teachers, village leaders, and a large number of patients from the surrounding areas.

In his inaugural address, Fr Mayank Parmar, Director of DISHA Development, emphasized the importance of health check-ups, especially during the summer season. He noted that the extreme heat waves and the busy marriage season often lead to an increase in health problems. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of such camps to maintain their health through proper diagnosis and timely medication. Mr Ranchod Rathwa, President of the Past Pupil Unit, stressed the importance of caring for one’s health, particularly for pregnant women and young children. He also advised the villagers not to believe in blind superstitions and unhealthy traditional practices. The Sarpanch of the village Jatanbhai Rathwa expressed heartfelt gratitude to DISHA Don Bosco and the Past Pupil Unit for organizing the camp in Jambal Faliya, a remote area where transportation and access to healthcare services are very limited.

Dr Bharat Rathwa, MBBS, played a key role in the camp, providing medical check-ups to over 100 patients, even as the village mourned the loss of a resident during the day. Despite the somber atmosphere, the spirit of service prevailed. Ms. Reena Rathwa, a member of the Past Pupil Unit, served as the pharmacist for the camp, carefully dispensing the medicines prescribed by Dr Bharat. Health workers from the Saidivasan Primary Health Center (PHC) also participated in the camp. They checked patients’ vital parameters such as weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and assisted villagers in filling out applications for the Ayushman Bharat health insurance card.

Villagers expressed great happiness and appreciation for the health services brought directly to their doorstep. Jemliben Rathwa, an Asha worker, commented that the camp was very well organized and had truly benefited the local community. Kishmatbhai Rathwa the Principal of the school expressed that the camp definitely gave primary aid in the most wanted season.  After completing the medical check-ups, Dr. Bharat Rathwa remarked that the health needs of the people were indeed significant, and praised DISHA Don Bosco for taking an important step forward in providing essential healthcare services to underserved areas.

Following the camp, a hearty meal was served to all members of the medical and volunteer team, lovingly prepared by the village volunteers. The health camp was a meaningful initiative that not only brought medical aid but also uplifted the spirit of community service and care among the people of Jambal Faliya.