I Grew Up In A Slum Where Everyone Suffered Without Medicines, Now I Help Hundreds Get Medical Care

“I grew up in the slums of Hyderabad and for people like us, who are in the lower rungs of society — every day is a struggle. I spent most of my childhood taking my parents to the hospital. I was only 12, and there were many days where I missed school to take care of them. They both were very sick, and we had no one else to help us.

I always wanted to become a doctor and serve people in need — for me a doctor was nothing but an incarnation of God. But our financial situation never allowed that to happen and I was instead forced to take up work just after I finished my 10th.

I would see pregnant women walking for 3–4 kms to reach the hospital for their check-ups. The roads are so bad that no bus could go through, and auto rickshaws are too expensive for them. They had no other choice. So many people from the slums, despite suffering from illnesses, have to travel long distances and spend money they don’t have to get checked. I didn’t want anyone else to suffer.

I then started Kriya Sangh Society Charitable Health Care Centre in 2016 to give underprivileged people access to the medical care they deserve. Since then, we have been able to get affordable and even free medical care for hundreds of people in the slum.

We charge Rs. 20 for their medical services and have five experienced doctors. There are general physicians, gynaecologists, ENT specialists, physiotherapists and other experts. More than 100 people visit the clinic every day.

It makes me happy to see them smile and get the basic treatment without being entangled in the red tape and wasting time. The fact that I have been able to make so much difference makes my heart full.

Never in my life had I thought that I would go to a different city, leave aside going to the USA — but when I was invited by the US Consulate, I knew that I was on the right track.

There is so much more to do — these people deserve a fighting chance at life and I am ready to dedicate my entire life for them.”

-Shaik Nayeem, Founder, Kriya Sangh Society Charitable Health Care Centre.