India Project

Background

Gujarat, a state located in northwestern India, contains isolated villages with people cut off from electricity and, by extension, the modern world. Residents burn kerosene for lighting, and firewood or dried cow dung for cooking. Homes are poorly ventilated, which exposes women, who do the majority of the domestic labor, and their children to harmful particles. It is estimated that more than 500,000 women die annually from respiratory ailments caused by repeated exposure.

Scope of Work

The DC HEaRT project’s partners in India are the Narottam Lalbhai Rural Development Fund, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Ahmedabad University and Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation. In addition to the Beall Family Foundation, financing for the project is available through the Narottam Lalbhai Rural Development Fund — a foundation created by Arvind Limited, one of India’s large textile manufacturers — who will work with Ahmedabad University to manage the implementation of the microgrid and associated projects, while IIT Madras will provide technical expertise on the design and operation of the microgrid.

A truly unique addition is the provision of affordable, accessible technology enabling 24/7 health care to anyone, anytime, anywhere at this site. Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF), South Asia’s largest and oldest Telehealth Network, is part of the globally recognized Apollo Hospitals Group and has considerable experience in providing standalone primary health care in remote places. Using Information and Communication Technology, secondary and tertiary teleconsults are also provided on-site, greatly benefiting the end user. On-site pharmacy, laboratory services and health literacy programs provide an awesome experience! The Apollo Tele Clinic in Tuvar will also have an Apollo Tele Wellness and Health Centre (ATHWC) to promote health literacy, delivering quality healthcare and transferring knowledge on health care related subjects related to wellness.

To view photos of ongoing projects from Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF), please click here.

To view powerful stories from patients who have benefited from the programs implemented by Apollo, please click on the following links:

1) eUPHC-Implemented & Operated by Apollo Telemedicine - https://youtu.be/YpnqqxLA3dk

2) Telemedicine, Teleopthalmology, Remote health care, Vision center - https://youtu.be/JESKUcTHM8A

With our partners, we have identified Gujarat, India as our first international location for our DC HEaRT demonstration projects. In Gujarat, we would like to assist 7 villages, which consist of 215 households and a total of 1,216 people. The villages involved are Mama Pipala, Paliyabiya, Moti Govindi, Tebadi, Patadiya, Hingatiya Jagir, and Tuvar. In Phase 1 of this project, we will be focusing on 2 villages, which amounts to 51 households and 278 people. Our main goals in these villages are to supply the following:

Community Center with Communication, Education, Entertainment, Telemedicine, Meeting Space and Entrepreneurial Support
Daily fresh battery (for LED lights, exhaust fan and phone charger)
Purified water supplied to each household
Solar powered with advanced, clean biomass generator as backup (second generation pryolysis)

A village in Gujarat, India.

Latest News - Tuvar Village Project

February 2023

Tom O’ Toole (Executive Director for International Advancement, UCIS) and Ariel Armony (Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs; Director - UCIS) -
(first and second from right),visit the THWC in Gujarat, India and meet with ATNF staff in February 2023.

Ariel Armony and Tom O'Toole are greeted by Tuvar community (Top Left); Ariel and Tom participate in celebration of continuing operations at the THWC (Top Right);
Ariel sees a demonstration of the telemedicine technology at the THWC (Bottom Left);
THWC Staff and community members outside the TWHC building (Bottom Right) - February 2023.

August 2022

* Photos - Provided by the THWC: Aanganwadi visit and Teleconsultation camp at Panch mahuda village (First Photo); Door to door visit at Vikhran village (Second Photo); Community meeting at Pania village (Third Photo); Door-to-door visit and community meeting at Gundel village (Fourth Photo)

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 43rd month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In August 2022, a total of 95 teleconsultations were provided; 32 laboratory tests were performed; and 52 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
96 beneficiaries from 12 villages benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In August 2022, of the 95 teleconsultations provided, 56 were new visitors to the THWC. The percentage of female patients was 33%, while the percentage of male patients was 67%.
In August, 52 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 52 beneficiaries, 45 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the THWC organized 13 outreach camps to mobilize the THWC services that are being offered at the center at no cost. Approximately 223 people participated.
In addition, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in August.

June 2022

* Photos: Community Outreach & SHE Information Sessions, Provided by the THWC (First Photo: Tuver, Second Photo: Dholi Village, Third Photo: Govindi Village, Fourth Photo - Tuver - June 2022)

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 41st month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In June 2022, a total of 88 teleconsultations were provided; 39 laboratory tests were performed; and 51 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
81 beneficiaries from 8 villages benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In June 2022, of the 88 teleconsultations provided, 62 were new visitors to the THWC. The percentage of female patients was 53%, while the percentage of male patients was 47%.
In June, 51 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 51 beneficiaries, 33 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the THWC organized 12 outreach camps to mobilize the THWC services that are being offered at the center at no cost. Approximately 217 people participated.
In addition, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in June.

April 2022

* Photos: Bullock Cart, Eco vehicle, and Community Outreach Information Sessions, Provided by the THWC - April 2022

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 39th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village. To date, there have been over 15,000 beneficiaries utilizing the services at the THWC.
In April 2022, a total of 93 teleconsultations were provided; 57 laboratory tests were performed; and 83 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
64 beneficiaries from 8 villages benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In April 2022, of the 93 teleconsultations provided, 61 were new visitors to the THWC. The percentage of female patients was 42%, while the percentage of male patients was 58%.
In April, 83 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 83 beneficiaries, 43 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
In April 2022, 35 people have come by bullock cart and Eco Vehicle from the far-off villages of Palanpur, Karikankar, Govandi, Giddi, Pipodra and Kanthapara, which are around 10 - 25 kms away. Considering these are remote and interior villages, commutation from these villages to the THWC has been a challenge. Therefore, the people in the village arranged eco vehicle and bullock carts to come to the THWC for teleconsultation. They availed GP and Dermatology Teleconsultations, where required lab tests and medicines were provided along with doctor consultations free of cost. The majority of these new patients were farm laborers with an average income per month of less than Rs.5000 ($64.00 USD). Only a few were found to have basic mobile phones. They reported being happy and satisfied with the services provided to them.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the THWC organized 8 outreach camps to mobilize the THWC services that are being offered at the center at no cost. Approximately 126 people participated, bringing the total number of beneficiaries participating in the SHE Sessions to 947.
In addition, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in April.

March 2022

* Photos: Community Outreach Information Sessions, Provided by the THWC - March 2022

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – March 2022

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 38th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In March 2022, a total of 48 teleconsultations were provided; 13 laboratory tests were performed; and 47 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
75 beneficiaries from 8 villages benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying, electric bill payment, online print services and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In March 2022, THWC services reached out to 23 unique patients. In total, 43.75% of visits were new, and 54.2% were repeat consultations. The percentage of female patients was 26.1%, with the highest increase between the ages of 30-39 years.
In March, 47 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 47 beneficiaries, 29 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the THWC has organized 15 outreach camps to mobilize the THWC services that are being offered at the center at no cost. Approximately 60 people participated and 7 patients were provided with referrals after initial health screenings.
In addition, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 24 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in March and to date, there have been 922 beneficiaries of this program.
Patient satisfaction with the project has been tracked through feedback calls by the ATNF team. This month, a sample size of 10.6% of beneficiaries were surveyed, and based on this sample, 100% of the beneficiaries are happy with the services and are willing to recommend the THWC.

December 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – December 2021

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 34th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In December 2021, a total of 114 teleconsultations were provided; 24 laboratory tests were performed; and 75 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
102 beneficiaries from 18 villages benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying, online print services and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In December 2021, THWC services reached out to 61 unique patients. In total, 53% of visits were new, and 45.2% were repeat consultations. The percentage of female patients was 47.5%, with the highest increase between the ages of 20-29 years.
In December, 75 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 75 beneficiaries, all 75 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Even though initiatives like door to door visits have been temporarily halted due to COVID-19 restrictions, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in November and to date, there have been 848 beneficiaries of this program.
Patient satisfaction with the project has been tracked through feedback calls by the ATNF team. Patient satisfaction is consistently maintained every month through confirmation by feedback calls. A sample size of 25% of beneficiaries were surveyed, and based on this sample, 100% of the beneficiaries are happy with the services and are willing to recommend the THWC.

November 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – November 2021

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 33rd month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In November 2021, a total of 91 teleconsultations were provided; 35 laboratory tests were performed; and 66 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
80 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying, online print services and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In November 2021, THWC services reached out to 85 unique patients. In total, 67.4% visits were new, and 32.6% were repeat consultations.
In November, 66 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 66 beneficiaries, 49 patients belonged to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
Health Promotion is one of the crucial aspects of the THWC project and is being implemented through Social Health Education (SHE) sessions. The objective of SHE is to impart basic health care information in a systematic and understandable way to communities in and around Tuvar using audio visual aids. Under SHE, interested household women are enrolled as participants to provide information pertaining to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and women related health issues.
Even though initiatives like door to door visits have been temporarily halted due to COVID-19 restrictions, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program in November and to date, there have been 824 beneficiaries of this program.
Patient satisfaction with the project has been tracked through feedback calls by the ATNF team. Patient satisfaction is consistently maintained every month through confirmation by feedback calls. A sample size of 10% of beneficiaries are surveyed, and based on this sample, 100% of the beneficiaries are happy with the services and are willing to recommend the THWC.

June 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – June 2021

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 29th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of June 2021, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field because of COVID-19 resurgence. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the THWC itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
In June 2021, a total of 61 teleconsultations were provided; 41 laboratory tests were performed; and 69 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
115 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying, electricity bill payments and mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In June 2021, 69 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy. Of the 69 beneficiaries, 40 patients belonged to BPL (Below Poverty Line) section of the communities and therefore, medicines were provided free of cost.
The number of COVID-19 cases declined significantly in June 2021, provision of COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals 18 years and above is ongoing and restrictions on local movement were continued in June 2021. However, patient footfalls remained consistent.
Even though initiatives like door to door visits have been temporarily halted due to COVID-19 restrictions, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program and 100 free menstrual hygiene kits were provided.

May 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – May 2021

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 28th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of May 2021, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field because of COVID-19 resurgence. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the THWC itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
In May 2021, a total of 49 teleconsultations were provided; 42 laboratory tests were performed; and 69 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
61 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and Mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
With the availability of a wide range of specialists for teleconsultations, communities have been able to access expert doctors from Apollo Hospitals. May 2021 has seen teleconsultations across major medical specialties helping beneficiaries to initiate and continue their treatment plan through expert medical advice. Moreover, through teleconsultations, a link between primary and secondary care for the beneficiaries has been enabled, as both General Physician and Specialty teleconsultations are available at the THWC.
As there has been an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, despite provision of COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals 18 years and above, restrictions on local movement were continued in May 2021. However, patient footfalls remained consistent, as the number of COVID-19 cases increased in Khedbrahma.
Initiatives like door to door visits, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 25 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program and 100 free menstrual hygiene kits were provided.
The THWC program is being recognized by communities, which is being reflected in the improving coverage and utilization of services from individuals across various villages around Tuvar.

March 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center – March 2021

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 26th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of March 2021, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field due to social distancing norms prevailing in the ongoing pandemic scenario. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the THWC itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
The overall beneficiaries covered at the THWC through February 2021 is over 15,000 beneficiaries.
In March 2021, a total of 53 teleconsultations were provided; 36 laboratory tests were performed; and 72 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
60 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and Mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In order to reach out to communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations are being provided in “camp mode” at the doorstep of communities.
As there has been a resurgence and increase in the number of COVID-19 cases despite COVID-19 vaccinations being provided to the general public above the age of 45, relaxations in local movement were limited in March 2021. However, patient footfalls remained more or less consistent, as the number of COVID-19 cases increased in Khedbrahma.
Initiatives like door to door visits, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. In total, 30 beneficiaries were covered under the menstrual hygiene program and 120 free menstrual hygiene kits were provided.
The THWC program is being recognized by communities, which is being reflected in the improving coverage and utilization of services from individuals across various villages around Tuvar.

February 2021

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 25th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of February 2021, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field due to social distancing norms prevailing in the ongoing pandemic scenario. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the THWC itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
The overall beneficiaries covered at the THWC through February 2021 is over 12,000 beneficiaries.
In Feb 2021, a total of 71 teleconsultations were provided; 28 laboratory tests were performed; and 71 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
105 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and Mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In order to reach out to communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations are being provided in “camp mode” at the doorstep of communities.
As the “unlock down” announced by the Government of India continues and COVID-19 vaccinations have started for the general public above 60 years, relaxations in local movement continued in February 2021. An increase in number of patient footfalls was observed across services, as the number of COVID-19 cases reduced in Khedbrahma.
Initiatives like door to door visits, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. The program is being recognized by communities, which is being reflected in the improving coverage and utilization of services from individuals across various villages around Tuvar.

October 2020

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 20th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of September 2020, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field due to social distancing norms prevailing in the ongoing pandemic scenario. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the THWC itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
The overall beneficiaries covered at the THWC through September 2020 is over 9100 beneficiaries.
In Sept 2020, a total of 76 teleconsultations were provided; 18 laboratory tests were performed; and 55 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from the Tuvar Pharmacy.
99 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and Mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In order to reach out to communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations are being provided in “camp mode” at the doorstep of communities.
As the “unlock down” announced by the Government of India continues, relaxations in local movement continued in September 2020, but due to a rise in the positive cases in Khedbrahma, the locality fell under the category of “containment zone.” Hence, there was a slight dip in the number of patient footfalls across services. The Apollo team has been taking required precautions while being exposed to the community during such activity to avoid transmission of COVID-19.
Initiatives like door to door visits, menstrual hygiene sessions and distribution of free menstrual hygiene kits have been contributing towards a larger impact of the THWC program. The program is being recognized by communities, which is being reflected in the improving coverage and utilization of services from individuals across various villages around Tuvar.

September 2020

Latest Updates from Tuvar Health & Wellness Center

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) project has completed its 19th month of operations and is continuing to deliver technology enabled health care and digital services to the tribal and rural communities in and around Tuvar village.
In the month of August 2020, Social Health Education (SHE) sessions and health profiling activities could not be carried out in the field due to social distancing norms in the ongoing pandemic. However, menstrual hygiene sessions were conducted at the center itself. Teleconsultations, Laboratory, Pharmacy and CSC services continued to deliver digital and health care services for the welfare of the communities in and around Tuvar.
The overall beneficiaries covered at the THWC through August 2020 is over 8900 beneficiaries.
In Aug 2020, 50 patients were benefitted by accessing medicines from Tuvar Pharmacy.
45 beneficiaries benefitted from visiting the Common Services Center (CSC). Photocopying and Mobile recharge services were the most utilized.
In order to reach out to communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations are being provided in “camp mode” at the doorstep of communities.
In continuation with the efforts put in for reaching out to the community in the current pandemic scenario, the THWC team has been providing teleconsultations on “camp mode” in the Village Panchayats of Kalleka and Dudhali. General physician consultations with lab tests were properly arranged to ensure social distancing. Teleconsultations on camp mode shall remain a part of field activity in the upcoming days, too. The Apollo team has been taking required precautions while being exposed to the community during such activity to avoid transmission of COVID-19.

July 2020

The Business of Humanity® Project’s Tuvar Health & Wellness Center Continues Operations During COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, the ability to manage the pandemic in remote parts of our inter-connected world presents an urgent challenge. To help address this challenge, the Business of Humanity® Project (BoH) at the University of Pittsburgh, led by the Katz Graduate School of Business and the Swanson School of Engineering, has been working with its partners at the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF), Safe World Rural Services (SRS), and Narottam Lal Bhai Rural Development Fund (NLRDF) to assist its Tuvar Health & Wellness Center located in Gujarat, India to continue to operate under new and ever-changing circumstances during this pandemic.

In accordance with the lockdown guidelines issued by the Government of India, the THWC reopened on April 20th, 2020 and has been continuing to provide health care services to rural communities in and around Tuvar. The details outlined in this link by ATNF demonstrate the unique challenges that COVID-19 are presenting to the health care workers at THWC and the steps they are taking so that individuals in rural and remote areas are provided with quality care.

March 2020

The Tuvar Health & Wellness Center (THWC) has been operating for a year in Gujarat! Please click on this link to see photos and read the latest details about the wonderful progress that has been made since the THWC opened. The major operations of the THWC include: (1) Teleconsultations; (2) Laboratory Services; (3) Pharmacy Services; (4) a Common Services Center; and outreach programs like (5) Health Profiling and the (6) Social Health Education (SHE) program. Through the end of January 2020, the overall beneficiaries who have been reached by these services is over 6,900 people!

May 2019

Please click on the link below to read the latest details and see new photos from our Tuvar Village Project!

Opening of the Business of Humanity® Project’s Tuvar Village Initiative in Gujarat, India

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February 2019

We have some wonderful news to announce! On February 3, in Ahmedabad, Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF) organized a symposium marking the opening of the Health and Wellness Center in Tuvar! Please click on the link below to read more about the program.

Symposium: Opening of the Health and Wellness Center in Tuvar (February 3, 2019)

For those of you who were interested in watching this symposium but were unable to catch the very early live stream on February 3, here is a YouTube link to a recording of the event:

Symposium: Opening of the Health and Wellness Center in Tuvar

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March 2018

We are excited to announce that construction has begun on the Tuvar Village Project in Gujarat, India!

The Tuvar Village Project is the Indian component of a global demonstration of the use of disruptive technologies to meet the needs of lower income communities; simultaneously enhancing environmental, social and economic sustainability. The viability of the Tuvar Village Project is predicted on a comprehensive response to the needs of the community—power to households, potable water, sanitation, hygiene, health education, and telehealth supported by new sources of income for the community.

Our partners on this project include Mr. B.M. Shah, Mr. Kantibhai Patel, Mr. Vinod and Mr. Minibhai from NLRDF (Narottam Lalbhai Rural Development Fund) and Mr. Subi Rajagopalan, Mr. Harish Shankar V., Mr. Yogendra Khaintola, Mr. Krishna Prasad and Mr. Vaneet Chopra from Safeworld Rural Services LLP and Prof. K. Ganapathy and Mr. S. Premanand from Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation. Due to their commitment and tireless efforts, the initial phase (Stage 1) of the project should be up and running in June 2018!

Highlights of Stage 1 of this project include:

Solar plant, generating 30.69 kW, employing unique, specially designed tensile solar panel mounting structures, to bridge ravines and gullies in in otherwise unusable land.
DC standalone grid to supply power to households (50 initially), street lighting, water pumping system, and common services including toilets, showers and community center.
Water supply—potable water and water for common toilets and shower.
Over a kilometer of solar-powered street lighting, which will provide safety and security—especially for women and children—to and from the common toilets.
Refurbishment of an abandoned building for a new Community Center, which will have net zero capability. The Community Center will be used as an education, health and wellness center for Tuvar village and nearby communities.
Specially-designed electric vehicles for transporting patients found to be requiring treatment at more advanced health facilities.