Dharavi Social Mission Conducts Lok Vikas Camp For The Elderly In Kumbharwada, Helps Over 150 Families

The Dharavi Social Mission, a key initiative under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, conducted a two-day 'Lok Vikas Camp' at Prajapati Sahkari Utpadak Mandal in Kumbharwada on Dec. 20-21. The event aimed to extend health benefits to senior citizens by enrolling eligible individuals under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana or PM-JAY, ensuring access to vital government healthcare schemes.

The camp addressed a critical need for awareness and accessibility in one of Mumbai’s most vibrant yet underserved communities. It saw an overwhelming response, with hundreds of Kumbharwada residents registering for Ayushman Bharat cards. To streamline the process, a dedicated desk was set up exclusively for super-senior citizens aged 70 and above.

By simplifying enrollment and fostering a supportive environment, the initiative has facilitated medical insurance benefits worth approximately Rs 7 crore, positively impacting over 150 families. Despite Dharavi’s central location in Mumbai, many residents remain unaware of such government schemes, highlighting the importance of outreach efforts like this.

A remarkable and touching moment at the camp was the participation of a 96-year-old woman, Sonabai Kamalia. She was personally assisted by the staff in enrolling for the scheme, highlighting the inclusivity and dedication of the initiative.

This event is an empowering tool as it has offered a ray of light for senior citizens who are in urgent and constant need of medical assistance by providing vital benefits in a timely manner.

The initiative came in for much praise not just from the beneficiaries, but also the community. Chitroda Manibai Hamir said, "This scheme is very helpful. I am very happy to get this card." Laxmi Chitroda, who came to register her father-in-law, appreciated the awareness created by the Dharavi Social Mission, stating, "I was not aware of this scheme earlier. DSM has been very helpful in creating awareness and assisting us in the process."

Residents have also expressed the need for more such camps in Dharavi. And the Dharavi Social Mission has announced plans to organise similar initiatives in other areas of Dharavi with the aim of extending the benefits of these government welfare schemes to a larger population.

Dharmesh Wadhel from the Prajapati Society in Kumbharwada, who attended the camp with his mother on the first day and his father on the second, said, "It is unpredictable how much hospital treatment costs. This card, covering expenses up to Rs 5 lakhs, is a great relief. I thank DSM for organizing this free camp and request everyone to benefit from such initiatives." Another elderly woman remarked, "This facility is very good. I have got the Ayushman card, and we are thankful for this. We will take full advantage of the scheme now that we have the card."

The Lok Vikas camp has proven to be more than just an enrollment drive; it has become a bridge connecting Dharavikars to the benefits they are entitled to. Through Lok Vikas, DSM is simplifying access to essential government schemes while fostering trust and community engagement.

Disclaimer: NDTV Profit is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.