Dedicated doctors devote Sundays to provide essential healthcare in rural Gujarat
Dr Pankaj Shah have been instrumental in organizing health camps every Sunday for the past 16 years. The initiative first began during a flood in Kheda but has now grown into a full-fledged trust, with over 18 doctors dedicating their time and expertise to provide essential medical care to the rural communities in the area. Since its inception, the initiative has covered over 200 villages and reached a population of more than 100,000 annually.
Unlike many medical students who choose to forgo mandatory rural service, these doctors willingly go the extra mile to ensure that non-urban areas receive essential health interventions. Many of them selflessly offer their services, from diagnosis to specialized care, on a voluntary basis. In an interview with TOI, Dr.
Shah reflects on the journey, stating, «Since that day, we have been organizing health camps every Sunday in the rural areas of the state. So far, we have covered over 200 villages and more than 1 lakh population annually. The initiative took the form of a trust, and today, we have 18 doctors working with us for the noble cause.» Recognizing the limitations of one-off camps, the doctors have devised an annual work calendar that covers areas in Ahmedabad, Kheda, and Gandhinagar districts.
The doctors primarily focus on addressing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, cases of which have been steadily increasing in the region. By providing continuous care, they aim to prevent relapses and ensure the long-term well-being of patients. Dr.
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