Team Goemkarponn
NIRANKHAL: A Mega Health Camp cum Health Awareness Programme, titled ‘Health for All – An Education Outreach Initiative for the Well-being of the Kathkari Community,’ was successfully conducted in Nirankhal on 15th March 2025, ensuring vital healthcare access to over 100 residents of the Kathkari community.
The initiative was led by the Education Outreach Sub-Committee under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Goa University, in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services (PHC Shiroda), Human Touch Foundation, and National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Goa Campus, Ponda. The camp aimed to bridge healthcare gaps by providing free medical consultations, awareness sessions, and essential support to build a healthier future for the community.
Medical professionals from PHC Shiroda, led by Dr. Siddhant Shet, conducted general health screenings, maternal and child health consultations, immunization services, and free medicine distribution, ensuring essential healthcare support for the community. The Social Work Programme, Goa University, played a pivotal role in community engagement and mobilization, leading awareness sessions on hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and women’s health to promote preventive healthcare. A dedicated team of 12 MSW Part I students and four faculty members, along with 15 student volunteers and two faculty members from NFSU, Goa Campus, Ponda, actively contributed to the initiative, facilitating education, outreach, and logistical support.
As part of the initiative, hygiene kits, sponsored by Grand Hyatt Goa and Help and Help Charitable Trust, were distributed to community members. Additionally, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and the Anil Salgaocar Foundation generously provided snacks and refreshments, ensuring the well-being of all attendees throughout the day.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Peter F. Borges, Member and Faculty Coordinator of the Education Outreach Sub-Committee, stated,”This initiative truly embodies the mission of the Education Outreach Sub-Committee and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan—bridging healthcare gaps and empowering marginalized communities. The success of this event highlights the significance of collaborative efforts between academic institutions, healthcare agencies, and civil society organizations to create lasting social impact. We extend our gratitude to all partners, volunteers, and healthcare professionals who made this initiative a success.”
The ‘Health for All’ initiative successfully strengthened healthcare outreach efforts and created a platform for linking the Kathkari community with essential government health services. The overwhelming participation and positive response from the community reaffirm the need for sustained interventions to improve healthcare access for marginalized groups.
