For two days, the quiet campus of Chandrashekhar Azad Government PG College in Sehore (MP) transformed into a bustling, fully functional hospital. Through a RAHAT (Rotary’s Active Hands Are Touching) medical camp organised by the Rotary Clubs of Bhopal Hills and Sehore, RID 3040, over 5,000 people received free treatment for a wide range of ailments.
Sharing some of the most moving moments from the camp, project chair Umang Saxena recalled the case of 12-year-old Raju who had lived with a cleft lip since birth. “He was very quiet and hesitant to even look at people. His parents are daily wage labourers and had no means to afford surgery. After the operation, when he came back for review, he smiled freely for the first time. That smile made all our efforts worthwhile.”
Saxena also spoke about 68-year-old Savitri Devi, who had been gradually losing her eyesight to cataract formation. “For nearly five years, she depended on her family for everything. She told us she had stopped stepping out of the house because she could not see properly. After her surgery, when the bandage was removed, she held my hand and said, ‘Now I can see my grandson clearly again.’ It was an emotional moment for all of us.”
Along with consultations, several patients underwent surgery for cleft lip, gall bladder stones and other complex conditions right at the venue. A complete hospital infrastructure — including pathology and radiology units — was installed for the duration of the camp. Except for a CT scanner, all major medical equipment were transported from People’s Hospital, Bhopal.
Around 220 doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, representing 20 medical specialisations, volunteered their time and expertise. “They offered their services entirely free of cost. We took care of their travel, stay and meals,” said Harssh Y Mittal, president of RC Bhopal Hills.
Calling it probably the largest medical camp ever held in Sehore, Mittal explained why this location was chosen. “Sehore is surrounded by more than 100 villages. By hosting the camp here, we could reach thousands of people who otherwise have limited access to quality healthcare.”
Volunteers from both clubs travelled across 162 villages for a week, conducting door-to-door campaign and holding group meetings to spread awareness. Their efforts paid off; the turnout was overwhelming. To manage the crowds efficiently, 10 registration counters were set up, supported by a customised software developed in-house. “We now have a digital medical record of every patient, which will help in follow-up treatment,” he said.
Nearly 180 patients were advised hospitalisation for eye surgeries, cardiac conditions and other serious disorders. Their treatment is currently underway at People’s Hospital, Bhopal, completely free of cost. The clubs are also bearing the expenses for transport, accommodation and meals for patients and their caregivers.
RC Bhopal Hills pressed into service two mobile clinics — ophthalmology and dental vans — which were launched earlier this year through GGs. Given this region’s high tobacco consumption, oral cancer screening was given special priority. Patients with suspected malignancy were referred for advanced treatment at no cost.
The camp was organised drawing on Umang Saxena’s earlier experience of a similar camp in Jhabua in March 2024, which benefitted over 1.5 lakh people, with support from PGIMER, Chandigarh. He is a member of RC Jhabua.
RC Bhopal Hills, now in its 27th year, has recently added a 10-bed dialysis centre at the People’s Hospital and has set up a dental clinic with six chairs, x-ray, CT scan and oral cancer detection devices. The medical facilities, along with the mobile eye and dental clinics, are all supported through GGs, with nearly 40 per cent funding contributed by the club itself.
Mittal acknowledged the vital support of PDG Vijay Patel (UK) and major donors Dr Rita and Ramesh Garg from Michigan, US, who have supported seven GGs in RID 3040, including four for RC Bhopal Hills. “Their total contribution is close to $100,000, made in memory of their son, Aashish Garg,” he said.