The last two years have been momentous in the journey towards realising the compassionate legacy of Param Krupalu Dev and the vision of Pujya Gurudevshri of extending world-class healthcare to all in need across India.
During this period, we celebrated the monumental completion of 500 days since the inauguration of the new Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Centre in August 2022, as well as the overwhelming successes of the mega medical camps in Darbhanga, Bihar and Dharampur, Gujarat in December 2022 and in Vavania, Gujarat in April 2023.
And now, setting a groundbreaking tone for the year and propelling this healthcare odyssey to unprecedented heights, Pujya Gurudevshri flagged off the biggest medical camp yet – the free Multi-Speciality Mega Medical Camp in Dharampur from 1st to 7th January, 2024.
This medical camp gathered an extraordinary team of over 200 doctors, including several super-specialists from across countries such as India, USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia, etc. With over 20 specialities encompassing various domains like paediatrics, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, neurosurgery, etc., the camp was designed to cater to diverse healthcare needs.
To support their consultations, doctors had a wide range of diagnostic tests available at Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Centre. Several patients were referred to the hospital to undergo comprehensive assessments including ECG, X-Ray, Ultrasound/CT/MRI scans and an array of blood tests – all radiological and pathological investigations were made available, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Beyond diagnostics, the camp hosted complex surgeries, including those addressing paediatric, cancer, cardiac, spine, open-heart, plastic and bone contractures.
Setting the base for this camp was over a month of meticulous work which included pre-diagnostic screenings and awareness sessions, conducted across multiple talukas, covering over 6.5 lakh people. During these screenings, more than 200 patients requiring complex surgeries were identified, and underwent transformative surgeries during the camp.
Through the camp over 6,000 cases were identified for further surgeries and procedures, which will be conducted over the course of the coming months. To support these interventions, another follow-up surgical camp is being planned.
During the camp, measurements for physical aids were also taken for hundreds of physically-challenged patients. Thereafter, artificial limbs as well as other physical aids such as cerebral palsy chairs, standing wheelchairs and other specialised devices were distributed – like Arise wheelchairs and Neomotion chairs. For many individuals, these aids represented far more than physical objects, they symbolised mobility and newfound independence! Additionally, modern, high-quality hearing aids were distributed to children facing audio impairment.
As part of their CME (Continuing Medical Education), local doctors attended seminars conducted by visiting doctors on various relevant topics, discussing treatment modalities and protocols based on global best practices.
From patient registration to prescriptions, inventory management and even blood tests, every aspect of the camp’s operations was efficiently handled through an innovative software, ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated healthcare experience for patients and doctors alike. To further ensure the comfort of patients – many of whom had travelled long distances to arrive at the camp – free meals were offered to all.
Launches during the camp introduced several visionary projects.
Chashma Project: Statistics reveal that over 90% of blindness or vision-impairment cases in India are preventable, often due to reasons as simple as the lack of spectacles or access to basic eye care. Rural India in particular faces a scarcity of opticians, exacerbating this issue.
To counter this challenge, the Chashma Project was conceptualised by Manubhai and Rikaben Shah of Los Angeles (Sarva Mangal Family Trust) and launched by Pujya Gurudevshri. It addresses the preventable blindness crisis by deploying a mobile eye care van that traverses remote areas to diagnose and provide corrective eyeglasses instantly to patients in need, free of cost. Moreover, for patients requiring more complex prescriptions, these are manufactured and promptly delivered.
This marks the launch of the pilot project in Gujarat. The ultimate goal is to replicate this model across the country, potentially transforming the landscape of eye care accessibility in India.
*Cardiac Ambulance: *Another initiative launched at the pious hands of Pujya Gurudevshri during the camp was the Cardiac Ambulance. This specialised vehicle, generously sponsored by the State Bank of India, is designed to offer immediate, critical care to cardiac patients while enroute to Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Centre. Recognising the criticality of time in cardiac emergencies, this innovative solution ensures swift medical intervention and care, potentially saving lives during transit.
A consensus resonates through the collective voices of doctors, paramedics, government authorities – never before have they experienced a camp of such unprecedented scale and significance. At the foundation of it all lies the unwavering grace of Param Krupalu Dev and the relentless compassion of Pujya Gurudevshri.
It is only by the infinite blessings of the Enlightened Masters that we are privileged with opportunities to be instruments to spread their compassion to those in need. And for these benedictions, we shall forever be indebted!
Through the Multi-Speciality Mega Medical Camp: