Restoring Dignity Through Accessible Healthcare : The Story of Bhimashankar Shinge
Pune | Care on Wheels (MMV 1) Beneficiary: Bhimashankar Shinge | Age: 55 | Gender: Male | Location: Pune (MMV 1) For Bhimashankar Shinge, illness was never just about numbers on a report. A long-standing leg condition had already made everyday life harder—walking was painful, mobility was limited, and earning a steady income became a constant struggle. When diabetes and high blood pressure added to his health challenges, it quietly started affecting everything: how much he could work, how often he needed help, and how quickly a “small discomfort” could turn into a bad day.
<span;>With the family income stretched, regular check-ups and medicines were often delayed. Sometimes it was the cost. Sometimes it was the effort of reaching a facility. Most often, it was a simple reality—health had to compete with daily survival. Over time, these gaps made his symptoms worse and increased the risk of complications. That changed when a Care on Wheels (COW) mobile medical unit began visiting his area, taking primary healthcare closer to where he lives. Instead of irregular consultations, Bhimashankar started receiving routine screening, timely medicines, and consistent follow-up. The team regularly monitored his blood pressure and blood sugar, ensured refills were not missed, and counselled his family on practical changes in diet and daily routine to prevent sudden spikes. With continuity of care and repeated follow-ups, his readings began to stabilise—and just as importantly, his day-to-day discomfort reduced. The difference was visible in small but meaningful ways: fewer difficult days, better control, and a renewed sense that his health was manageable again. This last-mile intervention was enabled through Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR support for the Care on Wheels unit and implemented on-ground by IGF-India, ensuring essential healthcare reaches residents who struggle to access facilities regularly.
Sundeep Talwar, CEO, IGF-India, said, “We believe healthcare should reach people before their condition becomes an emergency. Care on Wheels is about delivering timely screening, medicines, and guidance at the last mile—so families don’t have to choose between a day’s wage and a doctor’s visit.”
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