Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, a dedicated couple, are revolutionizing healthcare in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, one of India’s most impoverished regions. Their journey began with strong Gandhian influences on Dr. Abhay, who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of simplicity and community service. After completing their medical studies at Nagpur University and Johns Hopkins University, the couple returned to India in 1986 to address the dire healthcare situation in rural areas.
Upon establishing SEARCH (Society for Education, Action & Research in Community Health), the Bangs identified severe health issues through surveys in 58 villages. They discovered high rates of gynecological disorders, pneumonia, and infant mortality due to the lack of accessible healthcare. Realizing that Western medicine and hospital models were not suitable for these communities, they adapted their approach to fit local needs.
The Bangs trained local women as “arogyadoots” (health messengers) to provide essential healthcare services. These women learned to diagnose and treat pneumonia, administer antibiotics, and provide neonatal care, bringing medical support directly to the villagers. This approach led to a significant reduction in infant mortality and pneumonia rates.
Further innovating, the Bangs created Shodhgram in 1993, an “Indianized” healthcare facility modeled after a tribal village. This 13-acre site includes a tribal-friendly hospital, training center, research center, and other essential facilities. The design aimed to make villagers feel comfortable and integrate healthcare into their daily lives, while also maintaining modern medical standards and equipment.
In addition to healthcare, the Bangs addressed social issues such as alcoholism. They led campaigns against alcohol abuse and formed the Darumukti Sanghatna to promote prohibition through community involvement. Their educational initiative, Nirman, focuses on nurturing young social change-makers to tackle critical issues in Maharashtra.
The Bangs’ work has earned them global recognition and numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, Maharashtra Bhushan Award, and the MacArthur Foundation International Award. Their model of community-based healthcare has influenced global health practices, with WHO and UNICEF endorsing their methods. The success of their program has led to the creation of over 800,000 “ASHA” workers through India’s National Rural Health Mission.
Dr. Abhay and Rani Bang have chosen to dedicate their lives to improving the healthcare of India’s rural poor, transforming their communities and inspiring global health practices.
