By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, in collaboration with the Don Bosco Past Pupils Unit, Kawant, the Primary Health Centre Athadungri, the health staff of Vankaner, and the Primary Health Sub-Centre of Usela, organized a medical check-up and free medicine distribution camp on September 25, 2025 at the Health Sub-Centre in Usela village, Kawant block of Chhotaudepur district, Gujarat.

The inaugural program was held in the presence of several dignitaries: Ms Jiriben Ratilal Rathwa, Sarpanch of Usela Juth Panchayat; Mr Ranchod Rathwa, President of Don Bosco Past Pupils, Kawant; Fr Mayank Parmar SDB, Director of DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant; Dr Yuvraj Rathwa, MBBS from Athadungri Primary Health Centre; village elders; school children; and the local community. After an opening prayer song, the guests were warmly welcomed and felicitated with garlands by the villagers.

In his address, Fr Mayank Parmar highlighted the purpose of the camp: to serve peripheral villages where people have limited or no access to medical care due to poor communication and lack of internet facilities. “People here often walk several miles to avail even the most basic health services. Through this camp, we aim to bring health facilities directly to their doorstep,” he said.

Mr Ranchod Rathwa also spoke about various government health schemes designed for the welfare of rural communities, encouraging villagers to make use of these opportunities.

Following the inauguration, Dr Yuvraj Rathwa conducted medical check-ups for around 120 patients—57 men and 62 women. Most of the patients were found suffering from viral fevers and joint pains, commonly linked to long hours of agricultural labor. Free medicines prescribed by the doctor were distributed by the pharmacist from Athadungri.

The camp also facilitated the enrollment of more than eight elderly villagers into the government’s senior citizen pension scheme, ensuring them future social and financial support.

At the close of the camp, the villagers expressed their deep gratitude for receiving much-needed medical services in their own village. A wholesome meal was served to the entire medical team as a gesture of appreciation. The program concluded with a commitment from both the organizers and the villagers to continue such initiatives in the future, ensuring that healthcare reaches even the remotest corners of the block.

This initiative by DISHA Don Bosco and its partners once again demonstrated that when communities, health professionals, and social organizations join hands, healthcare can truly reach the last mile.