Why did we chose Jamkhed?

The Comprehensive Rural Health Project, Jamkhed (CRHP), has been working among the rural poor and marginalized for the past 45 years. Founded in 1970 by Drs. Raj and Mabelle Arole (honored by Padma award ) to bring healthcare to the poorest of the poor, CRHP has become an organization that empowers people and communities to eliminate injustices through integrated efforts in health and development. CRHP works by mobilizing and building the capacity of communities to achieve access to comprehensive development and freedom from stigma, poverty, and disease. Pioneering a comprehensive approach to community-based primary healthcare (also known as the Jamkhed Model), CRHP still is a leader in public health and development in rural communities in India and around the world. At the core of this comprehensive community-based approach is its embrace of equity for all, utilizing healthcare as a means to break the cycle of poverty. The work of CRHP has been recognized by the WHO and UNICEF, and has been introduced to communities around the world.

Dr.s Shobah and Ravi Arole who are in charge since 2011, give the necessary background and continuity for the missions to succeed on the long term. Dr. Raj Arole’s obituary in Lancet journal 2011 can be found here and a description of CHRP model with references can be found here as per American Journal of Public Health 2019. Professor Patricia Antoniello, wrote the book pictured aside, published by Vanderbilt University Press in 2020, about this groundbreaking project: Women, Equity and Health in Rural India details the role of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), a groundbreaking, internationally recognized primary health care model that uses local solutions to solve intractable global health problems. Emphasizing equity and community participation, this grassroots approach recruits local women to be educated as village-based health workers. In turn, women village health workers collaborate to overcome the dominant double prejudices in local villages-caste and gender inequality. In one generation, village health workers have progressed from child brides and sequestered wives to knowledgeable health practitioners, valued teachers, and community leaders. Through collective efforts, CRHP has reduced infant and maternal mortality, eliminated some endemic health problems, and advanced economic well-being in villages with women's cooperative lending groups.

GICAM (Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main) is active with teams in Jamkhed, India since 2016 and their mission is to restore the functionality of hands for many who were previously unable to perform everyday tasks. The surgeries help improve the quality of life for those affected by burns or deformation of their hands e.g. With each successful mission, more lives are changed and improved. These missions are a testament to the power of medical science and the dedication of medical professionals who strive to make a difference in people’s lives. We favorite whenever we can to treat children and women first. Help us to create a better world and a brighter future through surgery, our knowledge.