The Navjeevan Free Surgery Project (NFSP) 2025: A New Lease on Life
Staying true to our name, Nav Jeevan, meaning new life, we recently conducted a pre-surgery screening camp, bringing hope and healing to those suffering from critical health conditions. Over two days, February 3rd and 4th, our team witnessed an overwhelming response from individuals facing ailments such as thyroid disorders, piles, hernias, hysterectomies, and various pediatric conditions. A total of 501 patients attended the camp, and after thorough examinations, 113 individuals were selected for the upcoming surgical camp scheduled from April 1st to 6th, 2025.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Each year, the Navjeevan Community Development Society (NCDS) organizes screening camps as part of the Navjeevan Free Surgery Project (NFSP) to identify patients needing urgent surgical intervention. To enhance accessibility and maximize impact, this year’s screening camp was conducted at Nitya Seva Hospital, Shevgaon, Pune. Our expertise spans three core medical areas:
- General Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Women’s Health & Gynecology
Dedicated Team & Seamless Execution
A strong team of 70 volunteers from NCDS Pune and Ahmednagar worked tirelessly to ensure the camp’s success. Leading the ground efforts were Mr. Mahendra Parabhoi and Mr. David Waghmare, who spearheaded community outreach, significantly increasing patient turnout.
The medical team was led by Dr. Babitha Kallimel, project in-charge of NFSP, alongside OT staff Arpana Chetri and camp coordinator Kanindra Narzary (Delhi). Their dedication was complemented by Administrator Sis. Julie, Nursing Chief Sis. Manisha, and Dr. Manoj Pacharne, Medical Officer at Nitya Seva Hospital, whose efforts ensured smooth coordination and high-quality care.
The nursing and laboratory staff of Nitya Seva Hospital played a crucial role in managing patient inflow efficiently. Their commitment extended beyond clinical responsibilities—one of the nurses even acted as a translator for non-Marathi-speaking patients, fostering trust and ease among attendees.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Despite the camp’s success, we encountered some key challenges:
– Shortage of Doctors: Due to limited medical personnel, we were unable to attend to additional patients from another branch of Nitya Seva Hospital. In future camps, we aim to recruit more doctors to meet the growing demand.
– Financial Constraints: The screening and surgical camps are conducted free of cost, with NCDS bearing all expenses, including diagnostic tests. Additional funding is critical to sustain and expand our efforts as each screening camp costs anywhere between 2-5 lakhs.
Looking Ahead: The Road to April
Our work doesn’t stop here. As we prepare for the April Surgical Camp, we remain committed to our mission: providing quality healthcare so people can live with dignity and good health.
We invite donors, healthcare professionals, and volunteers to support our initiative. Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring life-changing medical care to those in need.
Join us in making a difference—because everyone deserves a second chance at life.