Calcutta Rescue's third medical street team (SM3) set off at the beginning of May 2022, thanks in part to the American non-governmental organization "Indian Schools Alumni and Friends" (INSAF), which financed a tailor-made vehicle.
Calcutta Rescue's first two mobile clinics bring medical staff, including doctors, to the slums, where they examine residents, diagnose and treat illnesses and, if necessary, refer patients to a clinic for further treatment.
However, the new street medicine team has a completely different task, as its head Shantanu explains: "Although high-quality medical care is important, education about diseases and preventive healthcare is even more important. We work in the areas of nutrition, family planning, maternal and child health, knowledge about diseases and building communication within the community."
The idea of forming a dedicated team to focus on prevention was triggered by Calcutta Rescue's ongoing collaboration with Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI).
APPI is one of the largest non-profit organizations in India that has been working in the field of primary education since 2000. After agreeing to fund education, mental health, hygiene, family planning and immunization services for 126 Calcutta Rescue students, APPI generously agreed to extend its support to the communities in which the girls live.
The new outreach team consists of five people and has already started work in seven slum areas. Their fabulous new vehicle even has a toilet, which will make life much easier for the staff and the slum dwellers they serve.
A big thank you to APPI, INSAF, the US support group and our donors for their help in making this project a reality.