Maharashtra
Mumbai – January 9, 2011 — A humanitarian project by AmeriCares India Foundation to provide free medical services and free medicines to the people of Andheri East slums was inaugurated by Shri Suresh Shetty, Hon’ble Health Minister of Maharashtra this morning. The inauguration function followed immediately by a medical camp took place at Zagade Pada, Western Express Highway Service Road, Pump House, Andheri East.
The inauguration function was organized by Mr. Ganesh Desai of Sai Deep Pratisthan, an organisation that has been working for the poor and needy in this area for several years. Mr. Desai and his team mobilized the local community, spread awareness and provided volunteers for the program. BSES Hospital is also one of the key supporters of this program. Students of Mandira Charitable Trust – Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology volunteered by going from house to house spreading awareness as well as registering the patients for the program.
AmeriCares India Foundation is providing mobile medical vans that will carry doctors and free medicines to various locations in the Andheri East slums. Free medical consultation and medicines will be provided to the community on a regular basis. The vans will visit 12 locations every 15 days on pre-specified dates; from 9 am to 1:30 pm.
The overall healthcare needs of the slum dwellers will be assessed and treated, with a specific focus on providing a continuous supply of medicines to patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Electronic health records will also be implemented shortly for the benefit of the program as well as for facilitating patient follow-up.