User:Nitin Verulkar

 Summary 

Dr. Ravindra Deorao Kolhe & Dr. Smita Ravindra Kolhe - Padmashree Duo 2019

History

Dr. Ravindra Kolhe and Dr. Smita Kolhe are Indian social activists and doctors working for tribal people in remote village areas of Bairagarh in Melghat region of Amravati district in Maharashtra. Dr. Ravindra Kolhe completed his MBBS in 1978 and MD in 1987 from Government Medical College, Nagpur. He has been actively working in Bairagarh area since 1985. He married Smita, also a doctor specializing in Ayurveda and Homeopathy, and together continued their work. They charged a nominal fee of ₹1 (1.4¢ US) for treatment and also run a Government ration shop. Apart from medicinal help, the couple also makes general awareness campaigns for the tribals. The works of Kolhe couple has resulted in reduction of infant mortality rate from 200 per 1000 to 40 and pre-school mortality rate from 400 per 1000 to 100. In 2019, the couple received Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.

"Charity has been my basic idea, even before taking the decision to come down to Melghat, but I never believed in doing it for free. The problem was, the people out there were suffering through severe health conditions and had nothing to pay me."

Dr. Kolhe soon realized that tribal development was needed more than just medical assistance. Since last 24 years, he has also extended his work to areas like farms, power generation and labour wages. Apart from consultation, the husband and wife team have also been active in creating awareness about women's health and education at Bairagarh in Dharni taluka.

 References 

Times Of India