Two Indian American students held free mega medical camp in Telangana, India

Two Indian American High School students based in California, USA initiated a partnership with Suvidha Vikas Trust, India, and Jagruthi, NGO, India, USA based Suvidha International Foundation (https://suvidhainternational.org/), and organized a free mega medical camp to provide comprehensive health check-ups directly to the doorsteps of impoverished patients. This medical camp took place on July 21st, 2024, at M.P Primary School in Ashtnagurthi Village, Wyra Mandal, Khammam District, Telangana, India.

Over 400 patients visited this camp, seeking assistance for various health issues. They were examined by the panel of doctors and free medicines were distributed to them. Two NRI High school students Abhiram Dhulipala (12th grader) and Sriram Vempati (10th grader) from Granite Bay High School, California, who aspire to pursue medical carefullers, played a key role in organizing this medical camp. They approached Suvidha International Foundation in California and Suvidha Vikas Trust in Ashtnagurthi, India, and collaborated with them to plan this medical camp.

They visited India to participate in the medical camp, involved themselves in camp planning, and closely worked with doctors and patients, contributing significantly to the successful organization of the camp. Prior to the medical camp, Abhiram and Sriram volunteered at Khammam Government Hospital in Telangana, India. This experience provided them with hands-on exposure to various hospital operations and medical procedures. They both had the opportunity to observe and assist in different departments, gaining insights into patient care, medical treatments, and the overall functioning of a healthcare facility.

They both are confident that the medical hospital volunteer experience that they gained in India will enhance their understanding of the medical field and contribute to their personal and professional growth. The camp organizers made extensive efforts to inform everyone in Ashtnagurthi, Gollen Pahad, and the nearby villages about the medical camp. One week prior to the event, information about the camp’s inauguration, including details about free doctor consultations and the distribution of free medicines, was shared across all relevant mass communication channels, including social media groups such as WhatsApp groups, community volunteer groups, and displayed medical camp information banners at central locations in the villages.

Additionally, the day before the camp, Dandora announcements through the Dappu instrument were used to further propagate the event, ensuring the information reached the maximum number of households in the villages. Both the NRI High school students Abhiram Dhulipala Sriram Vempati worked instrumentally with the camp organizers and TV channels representatives locally. The medical camp commenced on July 21st, 2024, at 9:30 am and was inaugurated by Amaraneni Manmadha Rao, a board of the directors of the Suvidha Vikas Trust – India.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries from Khammam and Wyra, including Dr. Naragani Ramprasad Rao, MBBS, MD; Dr. Kolli Anudeep, MBBS, MD; Dr. Vasireddy Nirmala, MD, DGO; Dr. Jangala Gopi Krishna, MBBS, DCH, DNB (Pediatrics); Dr. Jaya Babu, BHMS; Dr. Harika, BDS; and M. Narasimha Rao, M. Kumudini, and E. Madhavi from Jagruthi, NGO, India. During the medical camp inauguration session, Manmadha Rao emphasized the significance of the Medical Camp and the distribution of free medicines to underprivileged patients.

He also highlighted Suvidha International Foundation’s efforts over the past six years. These include providing educational support to over 100 disadvantaged students, distributing stationery and sports equipment to over 1,000 students, constructing river rejuvenation projects, planting trees that benefit over five million farmers, empowering youth and women through various programs, and providing food and essential items to neglected children and senior citizens. He thanked Suvidha International Foundation for their passion and dedication to making a difference for the needy in India.

Kumudini from Jagruthi – NGO, said it is essential to provide educational support to underprivileged and meritorious students, generate income opportunities for unemployed women, equip them with training, and provide medical support to those in need. Kumudini commended the efforts of Suvidha International Foundation, USA, and Suvidha Vikas Trust, India, highlighting their dedication to providing support for the underprivileged and meritorious students and unemployed women.

The 400+ patients who visited the camp, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the doctors, and the overall arrangements of the camp. Suvidha Vikas Trust – India chairman, Vempati Nageswar Rao, Secretary,  Vemsani Ravi Kumar, advisor, Vemsani Venkateswar Rao, board of director, Raja, Murali, former village President and many other volunteers including Nagul Meera, Srinu, Vanaja, Nagamani, Suresh, Krishnamraju, Naidu, Venkatesam, Venketaswararao,  actively supported the camp. The camp was successfully concluded by 2:00 pm.

The camp organizers honored the doctors with mementos and shawls, recognizing their dedication and contribution to the success of the medical camp. A lunch was arranged for the doctors, guests, staff, and volunteers. The camp organizers gathered feedback from several patients regarding the services provided by the doctors and staff, as well as the overall hospitality and arrangements. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and satisfactory, with many patients expressing their appreciation and suggesting that such medical camps be conducted annually.

Kumudini and Manmadha Rao expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors: Dr. Naragani Ramprasad Rao, MD; Dr. Kolli Anudeep, MD; Dr. Vasireddy Nirmala, MD, DGO; Dr. Jangala Gopi Krishna, MBBS, DCH, DNB (Pediatrics); Dr. Jaya Babu, BHMS; and Dr. Harika, BDS, for their valuable services. They also extended their thanks to California high school students Abhiram Dhulipala and Sriram Vempati for planning, participating in, and supporting the camp in numerous ways, and wished them success in their future careers.

Manmadha Rao thanked the ASHA workers for their services and the Headmaster of M.P. Primary School, Ashtnagurthi, for providing the venue for the medical camp. Additionally, he conveyed their appreciation to the volunteers of Suvidha, and the JAGRUTHI staff for their dedicated efforts, which were instrumental in the successful implementation of the Medical Camp. Medical camp is a systematic way of reaching the rural patients who would otherwise not travel to the nearby city for their medical needs unless they are in an emergency situation. The patients and audience who attended the event have thanked the organizers and hoped to see such camps in the future in their village.