India is also characterized by having the second largest Vanvasi (Tribal) population globally. Wayanad is an Indian district in the northeast of Kerala state with administrative headquarters at the municipality of Kalpetta. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 meters. About 885.92 sq.km of the area of the district is under forest. With a population of around 8.2 Lac, close to 2 Lac comprises Vanvasis in this hilly district. They stay in remote villages, the fringe of forests, isolated from the mainstream population.

We know that you would like to be a part of social service for tribals. Here is an organization Swami Vivekanand Medicam Mission (SVMM) whose services for tribals have been recognized by honoring Dr. Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo, Chief Medical Officer by ‘Padmashree’ by the President of India.

“To reach Narayana, we must serve Daridra Narayana, the starving millions of India.”- Swami Vivekananda.

And in this spirit, Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission is functioning for the welfare of the Vanavasi brethren. The Mission started its activities by opening a free dispensary at Muttil, near Kalpetta, in 1972, the present district headquarters, for serving our tribal brethren. This steadily grew into a well-equipped hospital with four medical officers, 12 visiting specialists, and necessary staff.

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The hospital now offers a free dispensary, general ward with free food, well-equipped laboratory, multispeciality clinics, X-Ray unit, dental clinic, ECG, and Ambulance. The various activities undertaken by the Mission have helped our less fortunate brethren progress towards total development.

Apart from the hospital, the Mission conducts the following activities:

Mobile Medical Unit: Swamy Vivekanand Medical Mission works on the basic concept of providing health care at the doorsteps of Vanavasis as it is pretty difficult for Sick to travel long distances with challenges of road connectivity and transportation. Especially for older people, Ladies, and Children, it is a nightmare to travel. These hamlets are located in the peripheral areas of dense forests or deep into hilly terrain. The Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) equipped with Medicines, Paramedical Staff, and Doctor travel to such far-flung areas through makeshift roads. Vanavasis eagerly waits to get examined, reports medical problems, gets medicines and treatment. Some of them who require detailed investigation are advised to visit the hospital.

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Six subcentres in Tribal Concentration: In addition to medical treatment at these camps, awareness campaigns for health and hygiene are also executed.
Swasthya Mithra Project (Friends for Health): For an inclusive approach, youths among these Vanavasis are given basic training in first aid treatment, hygiene, and Sanitation. These volunteers visit their assigned areas, conduct surveys about hygiene and sanitation, and identify areas needing attention. They guide people for better hygiene, increase awareness about healthy habits, and provide first aid. These volunteers also actively participate in Medical Camps, Vaccination Drives, De-addiction drives, and other similar initiatives.
Sree Sankara Vidyaniketan, Cherukara: A Tribal UP School is run by the Mission at Cerukara, Mananthavady in Tribal Concentration.
A bamboo Unit: Intended for rehabilitating Sickle Cell Anemia Patients, is producing handicrafts at the Hospital premises.

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The Hospital now has the following facilities:

Outpatient department
Well-equipped Laboratory and Pharmacy
IP Ward
TB Microscopy and Treatment center
ECG Units
Clinic
Sickle Cell Anemia diagnostic, Counseling, and treatment center
Yoga Centre

Our persistent intervention over the years in the way of life of the Vanvasis has started bearing fruit as more and more people are stepping into the hospital from the remote corners of Wayanad, for they find the mission as their last resort. Apart from this, we are being recognized nationally; our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dhananjay Sagdeo received the fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shree recently.

As they say, “you reap what you sow,” we started getting positive results for the activities we are conducting. The tribal brethren are more health-conscious now. The education standard of the students attending our One Teacher School has been improved. Various activities we are conducting have helped these underprivileged tribals progress towards total development.

To serve more tribal people around Wayanad with affordable medical facilities, we need support from philanthropists like you. We need help with medicines, medical equipment, and other items useful for various activities of the mission.

We look forward to the support and co-operation from philanthropic and benevolent persons, institutions, and trusts in continuing and furthering our activities for alleviating miseries of the poor and neglected section of our society.