Prakash Tekadi is not a safe place. Located in the Ambernath district of Mumbai, India, many people are rag pickers, illiterate and living in squalor near a large rubbish dump. Accessing healthcare is difficult. Illnesses and health problems of the vulnerable go unattended. Children and the elderly are most at risk.

The 180 residents of Prakesh Tekadi live near the main garbage tip in extreme poverty and unhygienic conditions. The health risks can include asthma, respiratory illnesses, cuts, stomach pain, recurrences of flu, cholera, diarrhea, malaria, cough, skin irritations, and tuberculosis. The burning of waste can also cause health problems such as eye irritation. Medical help can be difficult to access because navigating to a clinic, filling in forms or signing consent for treatment while illiterate is challenging.

To address this issue, GMP Relief and Development partner, Hosanna Ministries, organised a free medical camp in the Prakesh Tekadi slum.

The medical camp was held in August 2022 at the Emmanuel Education Centre, in partnership with a local hospital. A team of doctors and nurses were sent to assist. This included a gynaecologist, paediatrician, dermatologist and an Ears Nose Throat specialist. During the early evening three-hour session, a total of 154 patients were given a check-up. A total of 25 patients were referred to the hospital for further examinations. Medicines were given as per the doctor’s prescription. All free of cost. Providing a medical camp helps to improve the health and education of the community and bring life-changing care to people like Usha.

Usha, a 55-year-old woman, suffered from cataracts. She had previously attended surgery; however, the operation was not done properly. After one year she had the same problem, but with the other eye. Usha was attended by the doctor at the Hosanna Medical Camp and referred to Raigad Hospital for surgery. This was also free! Usha was admitted to the hospital in September and the operation was successful! Danny Gaikwad of Hosanna Ministries shared, “She is now able to see clearly with her eyes. She is grateful”.

A workshop was also arranged for pregnant women at the same time as the medical camp with a focus on prenatal and postnatal care. Women learned how their baby is formed and what care is taken, as well as the importance for the mother and baby to attend their local hospital. At the end of the workshop, healthy food packages were distributed to the participants.

By providing healthcare and education opportunities, like the medical camp, Hosanna Ministries will raise standards of living, and improve the health for some of the world's most vulnerable people. With your continued support, Hosanna Ministries can care for people like Usha.