The need to reach out...

Radhanagari Taluka and it's hilly terrain have historically also been home to the tribals of the Dhangar Community who are shepherds by occupation and hence a migrating population. This community is now dwindling, even so, there are also many smaller villages around Radhanagari town where medical facilities are not available and the villagers have to travel a lot to get to the rural hospital in Radhanagari. Thus, there is a need to increase the radius of services to have a bigger impact. For last two years, SMA Kendra has launched various outreach programs which are innovative in nature and have provided practical solutions for the growing local needs.

Village Outreach Program (Doctor on Scooter!)

SMA Kendra now covers nearby villages every week by conducting OPD clinics during the day. These clinics are usually housed in the Panchayat Office or even in school premises. One of the doctors from the clinic along with one medical technician visits these villages on scooter, thus making it possible to reach far-in areas where normal transport is not available. The location of the villages goes on changing according to the demand created by the local population. Minimum charges are taken from poor patients and they are provided with 3 days of medicine with injection and if required, put on IV fluids. Patients who have more serious needs are then called to or escorted to the Radhanagari clinic or to a nearby hospital as deemed appropriate.

Today, SMA Kendra services the villages of New Karanje, Kariwade, Padali, Patpanhala - Kalmbwadi and Bhairi Bhambal in addition to Radhanagari town. All these villages are in the hilly region of Radhanagari Taluka.