Rajarshi Shahu Grameen Vikas Prakalp (RSGVP) was inspired by the pioneering social upliftment work done by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Maharashtra almost 150 years ago. He was a visionary, far ahead of his time, who was bold enough to break the shackles of cruel caste ridden society and all its evils. He brought commerce and wealth in the state and established social justice - uplifting socially as well commercially, his socially outcast subjects. Radhanagari and its surroundings in the Kolhapur district was his favorite retreat.

Inspiration

Early Days (1996-1997)

INDAL, now HINDALCO of Aditya Biral Group (since 2005), had a major mining industry in the region of Radhnagari. Being a socially responsible corporate house it undertook many rural development schemes in the region, such as providing clean and safe piped drinking water for the inhabitants of Radhanagari, development of women empowerment schemes by training and assisting women groups to develop entrepreneurial projects, developing and helping shepherd community in establishing co-operative dairy development etc.

It now wanted to develop a meaningful and sustainable health care project and entrusted Health Care International (HCI), an organization set up by Dr. Gautam Sen, consisting of eminent medical professionals as its core members, to carry out a study of the region and suggest what facility needed to be developed on a priority basis. HCI carried out an extensive study of the difficult terrain and its inhabitants, carrying out group discussions with women folk in various villages, village council members (Panchayat) and tried to establish their immediate health care needs and prioritize them.

It was established that there was no meaningful primary care facility in the entire region comprising of 60 km radius of hilly terrain, and that one had to travel on foot 10-15 kms to catch a ST Bus on highway, which would take them to Kolhapur some 65 kms away, even for a simple ailment of fever, cold and cough and like. There was no X-Ray facility, no pathological lab, nor even a small clinic where simple treatment could be given for cuts, vaccination or even IV fluids for severe dehydration. A rural hospital in the region was largely nonfunctional, with equipments rotting and doctors interested in private practice, while on the payroll of Government!

The Concept of Fees for Service

HCI also took this opportunity to convince people that they should pay for the services they receive albeit in heavily subsidized manner. It was decided that for a mere Rs 35, they would get a free consultation check up, a five days treatment schedule - all inclusive of medicines, injectables of what ever cost! Since then (17th August 1996) till today this Registration Fees has not been changed! People of the region, readily agreed. As such they would often land up by paying easily up to 1000-1500 rupees, just to travel to Kolhapur, get sucked into private medical care practice to get attention of a doctor for simple ailment like fever etc. This concept ensured sense of involvement in maintaining one's health. The provider of service (doctor, nurse, medical technician) also became more accountable to the public at large.

Over the last 23 years, not a single person, which includes poorest of the poor, has complained about this most modest charge, which does not cover even 50% of cost of running the clinic. However, it serves the most important aspect of success of this unique project - and that is, a sense of ownership - they can freely complain about any drawbacks in the facility or any other shortfall to their expectations. Over the years there have been several meetings, some in the form of constructive criticism, some in the form of agitated group with some ulterior motives - but all of them satisfactorily resolved. In any case, the clinic has provided completely free treatment and investigative facility, for approximately more than 20% patients and free consultation for all the patients.