Two Indian American high school students from California partnered with Suvidha Vikas Trust and Jagruthi in India, as well as the USA-based Suvidha International Foundation, to organize a free mega medical camp. This event aimed to provide comprehensive health check-ups directly to impoverished patients’ doorsteps. The camp took place on July 21, 2024, at M.P Primary School in Ashtnagurthi Village, Wyra Mandal, Khammam District, Telangana, India. Over 400 patients attended, seeking assistance for various health issues, and were examined by a panel of doctors who also distributed free medicines.
Abhiram Dhulipala and Sriram Vempati, high school students from Granite Bay High School, California, aspiring to medical careers, played pivotal roles in organizing this camp. They approached Suvidha International Foundation in California and Suvidha Vikas Trust in Ashtnagurthi, India, to collaborate on the event. They traveled to India, participated in the planning, and worked closely with doctors and patients, contributing significantly to the camp’s success. Prior to the camp, they volunteered at Khammam Government Hospital, gaining hands-on exposure to various hospital operations and medical procedures. This experience deepened their understanding of patient care and medical treatments, enhancing their personal and professional growth.
To ensure maximum participation, the organizers informed the communities in Ashtnagurthi, Gollen Pahad, and nearby villages about the camp. One week before the event, they shared details about free doctor consultations and medicine distribution through mass communication channels, including social media and displayed banners. The day before the camp, Dandora announcements using the Dappu instrument further propagated the event. Both Abhiram and Sriram collaborated closely with local organizers and TV channel representatives.
The camp commenced on July 21, 2024, at 9:30 am, inaugurated by Amaraneni Manmadha Rao, a board director of Suvidha Vikas Trust – India, with several dignitaries from Khammam and Wyra in attendance. During the inauguration, Rao highlighted the significance of the medical camp and the distribution of free medicines to underprivileged patients. He also emphasized Suvidha International Foundation’s efforts over the past six years, including educational support for disadvantaged students, distribution of stationery and sports equipment, river rejuvenation projects, and empowering youth and women through various programs.
Kumudini from Jagruthi emphasized the importance of providing educational support to underprivileged and meritorious students, generating income opportunities for unemployed women, and offering medical support to those in need. She commended Suvidha International Foundation and Suvidha Vikas Trust for their dedication to supporting underprivileged communities.
The over 400 patients who visited the camp expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the doctors and the overall arrangements. The camp was supported by various volunteers, including ASHA workers, and concluded successfully by 2:00 pm. The organizers honored the doctors with mementos and shawls and arranged a lunch for all participants.
The feedback from patients regarding the services and hospitality was overwhelmingly positive, with many suggesting that such camps be conducted annually. Manmadha Rao and Kumudini expressed gratitude to the doctors and the high school students Abhiram and Sriram for their contributions. They also thanked the Headmaster of M.P. Primary School, the volunteers of Suvidha, and the Jagruthi staff for their dedicated efforts in making the camp a success. The event demonstrated a systematic way to reach rural patients who might otherwise not seek medical care unless in an emergency. The attendees expressed hope for future medical camps in their village.
