First International Symposium on Tribal Health
First International Symposium on Tribal Health
Dr Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo is a distinguished hematologist whose remarkable contributions to healthcare have significantly transformed the lives of tribal communities in Wayanad, Kerala. Born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra, he has dedicated over four decades to serving the indigenous populations of this region, embodying the ethos of his motto: “Manava Sewa is Madhava Sewa” —service to humanity is service to the divine.
After earning his MBBS degree in 1980, Dr Sagdeo established a small clinic focused on the healthcare needs of local tribes. His vision and commitment led to the transformation of this clinic into a well-equipped 36-bedded hospital under the auspices of the Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission. This facility not only provides free medical treatment and food but also includes essential services like a laboratory, multispecialty clinics, and mobile dispensaries to reach remote areas. His efforts have been pivotal in addressing health disparities faced by these communities, particularly in combating Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), a genetic disorder prevalent among them.
Dr Sagdeo's groundbreaking work in identifying and managing Sickle Cell Anaemia earned him the prestigious Padma Shree award in 2021. He was instrumental in alerting governmental bodies about the prevalence of this condition among the tribal population, leading to collaborative initiatives with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for screening and management from 1997 to 2001. His proactive approach includes issuing identity cards for patients, carriers, and non-affected individuals, alongside offering pre-marriage counselling to prevent intergenerational transmission of the disease.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr Sagdeo has been a champion for health education within tribal communities. He initiated the Swasthya Mitras programme, training local youth as healthcare workers who bridge the gap between modern medicine and traditional beliefs. This initiative has empowered 125 community members to provide essential health education and support, fostering trust and cooperation between healthcare providers and tribal residents.
Despite facing initial resistance due to cultural beliefs surrounding illness and treatment, Dr Sagdeo's perseverance has yielded significant results. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified this commitment; he successfully encouraged vaccination among tribal populations who were initially hesitant.
Dr Sagdeo continues to advocate for public health initiatives aimed at eradicating Sickle Cell Disease in India. His recent participation in national health campaigns underscores his dedication to ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare. As he reflects on his journey, Dr Sagdeo remains optimistic about the future, committed to expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes for tribal communities.
Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approaches, Dr Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo stands as a beacon of hope and a true humanitarian hero, inspiring many with his selfless service and impactful contributions to society.
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First International Symposium on Tribal Health
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Dr Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo is a distinguished hematologist whose remarkable contributions to healthcare have significantly transformed the lives of tribal communities in Wayanad, Kerala. Born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra, he has dedicated over four decades to serving the indigenous populations of this region, embodying the ethos of his motto: “Manava Sewa is Madhava Sewa” —service to humanity is service to the divine.
After earning his MBBS degree in 1980, Dr Sagdeo established a small clinic focused on the healthcare needs of local tribes. His vision and commitment led to the transformation of this clinic into a well-equipped 36-bedded hospital under the auspices of the Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission. This facility not only provides free medical treatment and food but also includes essential services like a laboratory, multispecialty clinics, and mobile dispensaries to reach remote areas. His efforts have been pivotal in addressing health disparities faced by these communities, particularly in combating Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA), a genetic disorder prevalent among them.
Dr Sagdeo's groundbreaking work in identifying and managing Sickle Cell Anaemia earned him the prestigious Padma Shree award in 2021. He was instrumental in alerting governmental bodies about the prevalence of this condition among the tribal population, leading to collaborative initiatives with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for screening and management from 1997 to 2001. His proactive approach includes issuing identity cards for patients, carriers, and non-affected individuals, alongside offering pre-marriage counselling to prevent intergenerational transmission of the disease.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr Sagdeo has been a champion for health education within tribal communities. He initiated the Swasthya Mitras programme, training local youth as healthcare workers who bridge the gap between modern medicine and traditional beliefs. This initiative has empowered 125 community members to provide essential health education and support, fostering trust and cooperation between healthcare providers and tribal residents.
Despite facing initial resistance due to cultural beliefs surrounding illness and treatment, Dr Sagdeo's perseverance has yielded significant results. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified this commitment; he successfully encouraged vaccination among tribal populations who were initially hesitant.
Dr Sagdeo continues to advocate for public health initiatives aimed at eradicating Sickle Cell Disease in India. His recent participation in national health campaigns underscores his dedication to ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare. As he reflects on his journey, Dr Sagdeo remains optimistic about the future, committed to expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes for tribal communities.
Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approaches, Dr Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo stands as a beacon of hope and a true humanitarian hero, inspiring many with his selfless service and impactful contributions to society.