Doctor on a mission to deliver health to the poor

Bengaluru: A road accident he witnessed seven years ago in Hosur moved this doctor to launch Matrusiri Foundation, which has since been helping people who lack access to even basic healthcare facilities. "That day, fortunately, I had a first-aid kit in my car and helped the accident victim. It left a very deep impact on me, and I realised that there were many such people who need medical attention but were not getting it at the right time. That's what motivated me to start the NGO and provide free healthcare to the people," said the founder, Dr Sunil Kumar Hebbi.

The aim of the NGO is to provide free or low-cost medical help to those from economically backward classes. "We conduct medical camps every week. We adopt government schools, old age homes, slums and construction sites, and provide help to the local communities. We also provide first-aid training, create awareness about organ donation and organise health talks," he said. Since its inception, the foundation's Mobile Dr Clinic Project has organised around 700 medical camps, benefitting over 30,000 people in Bangalore Rural and urban areas.

But the journey has not been easy. "Most of the people did not know what their health problem was, as they either neglected it or opted for self-medication. Thankfully, after our camps, they are aware of their problems and get the right medication at low cost. This has had an impact on their income as well, as they are healthier, are more effective at work and do not miss work because of their illnesses," he said.

He started with a team of doctors, who were also his close friends. "Soon, the word spread and many others joined us in the initiative. But shortage of medicines, transportation expenses and medical equipment is definitely a challenge for us while running such camps," he said.

A volunteer in the team, Dr N. Pradeep Kumar, a dentist, takes care of dental issues that are a big problem among these people as they have poor dental hygiene. "We also have Dr Bhanu Prakash, a neurosurgeon, who has added value in terms of expertise especially for the older patients. Another volunteer, Nagarajan Iyer, a medical representative with Reddy Pharmacy, has helped in getting us medicines," Dr Hebbi said.

Another project, Vatsalya Charitable Clinic, provides low or no-cost treatment to people in Bengaluru Rural areas and has treated over 85,000 patients walking in for help. However, it does not end here. "We intend to reach larger areas around Bengaluru and neighbouring villages, tribes and highways. Maybe after some years, we want to cover the entire state," he summed up.