This story was reported by Udaipur Times on December 12, 2024
In an effort to provide healthcare access for tribal and rural communities, Project Rise, the philanthropic arm of the Dawoodi Bohra community, has partnered with Basic Health Services (BHS) to support the Amrit Clinic in Rawachh village in Southern Rajasthan. This collaboration aims to fill critical gaps in healthcare, addressing the pressing needs of a region grappling with health challenges.
Southern Rajasthan is home to six districts marked by a predominantly rural landscape, where nearly 60% of the population belongs to tribal communities. These groups reside in remote, hilly villages, making this area one of the least developed regions in the state. With an average human development index score of only 0.5, the need for improved healthcare access is urgent.
Many tribal residents work in hazardous jobs, such as construction and chemical production, and often live in poorly ventilated conditions. These circumstances elevate their risk of contracting diseases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB), which has become a significant public health issue in the region.
The AMRIT Clinic in Rawachh, which serves approximately 1,200 patients daily, will focus on addressing pressing healthcare challenges, particularly in maternal and child health, immunisation, and treatment for both common and TB-related illnesses. Staffed by trained primary healthcare nurses and supported by a network of physicians, health workers, and development professionals, the clinic will offer a range of preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services.
Dr. Sanjana Brahmawar Mohan, Director of BHS, emphasised the importance of this partnership stating, “Our AMRIT Clinics provide low-cost, high-quality healthcare with dignity to remote, rural and underserved populations. The model consists of a network of six primary care clinics, each serving a population of approximately 90,000 in Southern Rajasthan.
"The AMRIT Clinic at Rawachh will be operated with the support of the Dawoodi Bohra community, and we’re confident that with this generous support, we’ll be able to improve maternal and child health, reduce malnutrition, and increase TB treatment success in the region."
Ali Kausar Kurawadwala, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Udaipur who was present at the announcement program said, "this initiative reflects the teachings of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin which is to create positive and lasting changes in the lives of individuals and families in need. This commitment extends beyond mere medical care; it embodies a holistic approach to community development."
Ali Kausar shared their plans to involve volunteers and doctors at Fakhri Medical Center in Kharol Colony, Udaipur, to offer counselling services and organise medical camps. “This project aims not only to deliver healthcare but also to foster a sense of community empowerment and resilience,” he added.
The Dawoodi Bohra community, through its Project Rise initiative, has been working with local authorities and organisations to uplift marginalised families by providing better health, nutrition, education access, and environmental protection. The support to the AMRIT Clinic in Rawachh, marks Project Rise's first sustained healthcare project in the Udaipur region following previous initiatives focused on tree planting and food distribution.
