India is a country with a large population and diverse health needs. However, many people in India face challenges in accessing quality and affordable healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas. According to the World Health Organization, India ranks 145th out of 195 countries in terms of health system performance, and spends only 3.6% of its GDP on health. This leads to a high burden of disease, malnutrition, maternal and child mortality, and infectious diseases.
Fortunately, there are many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are working tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of the people in India. These NGOs are implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to address the various health issues and gaps in the healthcare system. They are also empowering the communities to take charge of their own health and advocate for their rights. In this article, we will highlight 10 NGOs that are transforming healthcare in India with their remarkable work.
1. My Abhinandan
My Abhinandan is recognized as one of the best Healthcare NGOs in India, committed to improving healthcare accessibility and quality for underserved communities. Founded in 2011, My Abhinandan has been working tirelessly to provide free medical camps, health awareness programs, and emergency relief services to the rural and urban poor. My Abhinandan also partners with local hospitals, schools, and government agencies to ensure that the health needs of the marginalized are met with dignity and compassion. My Abhinandan’s vision is to create a healthier and happier society, where everyone has the right to live a life of wellness and well-being.
2. Doctors For You (DFY)
DFY is an NGO that was founded in 2007 by doctors, medical students, and like-minded people with a vision of “health for all“. DFY provides humanitarian aid and medical relief to the people affected by disasters, conflicts, poverty, and neglect. DFY operates in 17 states across India, and has responded to several emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kerala floods, the Nepal earthquake, and the Kashmir floods. DFY also works on various projects related to maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and palliative care. DFY has received several awards and recognition for its outstanding contribution to the humanitarian field.
3. Swasth Foundation
Swasth Foundation is an NGO that was established in 2009 with the mission of building a sustainable and accountable health ecosystem. Swasth runs a network of primary healthcare centers that provide affordable and quality services to the low-income and underprivileged groups. Swasth also offers telemedicine, home care, and health insurance services to its patients. Swasth’s centers focus on enhancing the physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being of the people, using a holistic approach that integrates various modalities such as yoga, ayurveda, nutrition, counseling, and coaching.
4. Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH)
FMCH is an NGO that was founded in 2006 with the aim of improving the health and nutrition of mothers and children in the urban slums of Mumbai. FMCH conducts community-based programs that promote preventive health, balanced nutrition, and child development practices. FMCH also runs a clinic that provides antenatal and postnatal care, immunization, growth monitoring, and treatment of common illnesses. FMCH empowers the women and children in the slums to take charge of their own health and well-being, and advocates for their rights and entitlements.
5. Arogya Seva
Arogya Seva is an NGO that was started in 2012 by Dr. Dayaprasad G. Kulkarni, a public health specialist and social entrepreneur. Arogya Seva is a global network of volunteers who provide free and accessible healthcare to the underserved and marginalized communities. Arogya Seva organizes medical camps, mobile clinics, teleconsultations, and health education programs in various parts of India and abroad. Arogya Seva also supports other NGOs and social enterprises with capacity building, technology, and funding. Arogya Seva believes in the philosophy of “micro-volunteering“, where anyone can contribute their time, skills, or resources to make a difference in someone’s life.
6. Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH)
SEARCH is an NGO that was founded in 1986 by Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, two renowned public health experts and social activists. SEARCH works in the tribal areas of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, where it runs a hospital and a research center. SEARCH has pioneered several innovative and low-cost interventions to address the health problems of the tribal people, such as home-based neonatal care, community-based management of pneumonia, alcohol de-addiction, and women’s health. SEARCH has also influenced the national and global health policies and programs with its evidence-based research and advocacy.
7. Movement for Alternatives and Youth Awareness (MAYA)
MAYA is an NGO that was founded in 1989 by a group of young professionals who wanted to create social change through education and empowerment. MAYA works in the areas of education, health, livelihood, and governance, with a focus on the urban poor and marginalized communities. MAYA’s health initiative, called Health Enablers, aims to improve the access and quality of primary healthcare for the urban slum dwellers. Health Enablers trains and supports community health workers, who provide preventive, promotive, and curative services to their neighbors. Health Enablers also leverages technology and data to monitor and improve the health outcomes of the slum population.
8. Swasthya Swaraj
Swasthya Swaraj is an NGO that was founded in 2014 by Dr. Aquinas Edassery, a former nun and a public health physician. Swasthya Swaraj works in the tribal areas of Kalahandi district in Odisha, where it runs two comprehensive community health programs. Swasthya Swaraj trains and employs local tribal youth as community health workers, who provide a range of health services to their villages. Swasthya Swaraj also operates a referral hospital, a mobile medical unit, and a school health program. Swasthya Swaraj strives to achieve health for all, by all, and with all, in the spirit of swaraj or self-reliance.
9. Rural Health Care Foundation (RHCF)
RHCF is an NGO that was established in 2009 by Arun Luharuka, a chartered accountant and a philanthropist. RHCF’s vision is to make healthcare accessible to the poorest and the most deprived sections of the society. RHCF runs 17 centers across West Bengal, where it provides low-cost and high-quality primary medical care to the rural and urban poor. RHCF’s centers offer consultation and medication for a nominal fee of Rs. 30, and also conduct free health camps and awareness programs. RHCF has treated over 23 lakh patients so far, and has won several awards and accolades for its work.
10. HelpAge India
HelpAge India is an NGO that was founded in 1978 with the mission of serving the needs and rights of the elderly in India. HelpAge India runs various programs and services for the senior citizens, such as old age homes, elder helplines, mobile medical units, cataract surgeries, income generation, and disaster relief. HelpAge India also campaigns for the social inclusion, dignity, and security of the elderly, and advocates for their legal and policy rights. HelpAge India is a member of the HelpAge International network, which works in over 80 countries for the cause of the aged.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many NGOs that are transforming healthcare in India with their commendable work. These NGOs are not only providing essential health services to the people in need, but also creating a culture of health awareness, empowerment, and social justice. They are also inspiring and engaging more people to join the movement for better health for all. We salute these NGOs and their teams for their dedication and contribution to the Healthcare in India and well-being of the nation.
