Ravi and Kavita’s Dedication : Transforming Healthcare for a
Migrant Couple
Kalpana and Dilip, a hardworking couple from Gangapur taluka in the Aurangabad district, faced severe financial hardships that drove them to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Their days were filled with grueling tasks like scrap collection, cane chopping, and laboring at a brick kiln. When drought and adverse conditions hit their village, they decided to migrate to Darumbare village in Pune district, hoping for a new start.
However, the move brought new challenges. Uneducated and disconnected from mainstream healthcare resources, Kalpana, who was pregnant, lacked basic knowledge about necessary health precautions during pregnancy. Dilip, reflecting on their struggles, shared, “When we came to Darumbare, we were unaware of any local dispensary, government hospital, or sonography center. We couldn’t get Kalpana the checkups she needed.”
Their situation began to change when Ravindra Dada from Bal Raksha Bharat and ASHA worker Vaishali Tai visited the brick kiln for a routine survey and home visit. Upon discovering Kalpana’s pregnancy, they stepped in with crucial support. They educated the couple about essential tests, vaccinations, and the importance of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets. They also informed them about the free health services available at the government hospital in Darumbare, including blood pressure and hemoglobin check-ups, and provided iron and calcium supplements.
Ravindra Dada and Vaishali Tai didn’t stop there; they offered continuous support, regularly checking in to ensure Kalpana received proper care. Dilip, deeply moved by their help, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I couldn’t afford to take time off for checkups because my work was our only source of income. But knowing that the clinic was nearby and free of charge allowed us to start the necessary treatments.”
Ravindra Dada provided invaluable advice on diet, vaccinations, and overall prenatal care. He also shared contact details for the ASHA worker and himself, encouraging the couple to reach out with any concerns and advised them to call 108 in case of an emergency.
In April, during Kalpana’s seventh month of pregnancy, an urgent situation arose. Kalpana began experiencing contractions, and the kiln owner quickly contacted the ASHA worker. Ravindra Dada, Kavita Tai, and a nurse rushed to the scene. Due to the urgency, Kalpana delivered the baby at the kiln. An ambulance, summoned after the couple dialed 108, arrived to examine the newborn and referred Kalpana to District Hospital Aundh due to the premature delivery and low birth weight. The baby was placed in a special care unit for three days to address the underweight issue.
Post-discharge, Ravindra Dada and Kavita Tai continued their support, visiting the couple with essential supplies, including baby clothes and a nutritious diet for Kalpana. Kavita Tai provided crucial guidance on caring for the underweight baby, including feeding tips and vaccination schedules.
The dedication and compassion of Kavita Tai and Ravindra Dada were a lifeline for Dilip and Kalpana during a challenging period. Their unwavering commitment exemplifies the true spirit of healthcare as a service dedicated to improving lives. Their story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that compassionate care can have, bringing hope and transformation to those in need.
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