Mir Afroz Zaman, back from Kolkata

Healthcare is a fundamental right of people. But due to the continuous increase in medical expenses, many lower and middle class families in West Bengal are still deprived of quality medical care. Due to the limited capacity of government hospitals and the high cost of private hospitals, many cannot get timely treatment.

In this reality, the People's Relief Committee (PRC), located on Dilkhusha Street in Kolkata, has long become a symbol of trust for thousands of people by providing low-cost medical care.

With a tradition of almost eight decades, PRC is not just a voluntary organization, but also part of a social movement based on public health. This organization, which started its journey with the aim of standing by people in famine, floods and humanitarian crises before independence, has expanded its healthcare, relief, rehabilitation and social development activities over time.

Now, the center, located at 26/C Dilkhusha Street, Park Circus, Kolkata, is providing medical services to hundreds of patients every day at low cost. A large portion of the people who come for treatment are low-income workers, small businessmen, senior citizens and retired people, for whom it is difficult to receive expensive private treatment.
Modern medical services at low cost PRC's health center regularly conducts outpatient departments (OPD) through specialist doctors. In addition to general treatment, medical services are provided in various departments including cardiology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopedics, women and maternity, and skin diseases.

In addition, there is an opportunity to do pathology, X-ray, ECG, echocardiography, ultrasonography, dialysis and various diagnostic tests at relatively low cost. There is also an initiative to provide assistance to patients in case of expensive tests, so that treatment is not stopped financially. One of the features of PRC is to manage medical services as part of social responsibility instead of a commercial perspective.

Apart from the main center at Dilkhusa Street, PRC's healthcare activities are being conducted in Howrah, Uttarpara, Baghajatin, Halishahar, Udaynarayanpur and Baharampur. Efforts are being made to reach the common people outside the city through these centers.
Leadership and Humanitarian Initiatives Doctors, social workers and volunteers have been working for a long time to expand PRC healthcare services. One of the well-known faces of the organization is Dr. Fuad Halim, who has been associated with the organization's healthcare activities for many years and has been playing a role in advancing public health-based initiatives. He is currently the general secretary of the organization. Along with him, patients are being served every day with the combined efforts of numerous doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers.

He told this reporter that a new building was inaugurated for PRC in Sonarpur on Tuesday.

A gentleman donated the house. PRC activities have been started there too. We hope that the medical system will be further expanded within the reach of the marginalized population. Fuad Halim said, "At a low cost, we have provided health awareness training to the marginalized population under the technical department of the state government. This program will continue.

It came into the spotlight again during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, the organization stood by thousands of people through food distribution, health supplies, medical advice and emergency humanitarian assistance. Their humanitarian role continues even during disasters and crises.

According to public health experts, the importance of non-profit initiatives like PRC is increasing in reducing personal expenditure in the health sector and ensuring treatment for the poor. Along with healthcare, the role of such organizations is also essential in building health awareness, preventive treatment and social solidarity.
According to experts, to further strengthen PRC activities, emphasis can be given to several issues, such as establishing low-cost health centers in each district.
Providing specialist treatment to remote areas through telemedicine.

Expansion of maternal and child health programs. Increasing the use of digital health records and modern diagnostic technology. Initiatives to form health insurance and community-based health funds. Strengthening regular health camps, blood donation programs and health awareness programs. These programs are currently ongoing.
When the general public is concerned about the cost of healthcare in West Bengal, PRC has shown that it is possible to provide quality healthcare at low cost through a combination of social initiatives, efficient management and humanitarian commitment.

Today, this institution on Dilkhusha Street is not just a health center; it is a symbol of hope for many people. Their path is guided by the goal that no patient should be deprived of treatment due to lack of money.

When healthcare is becoming increasingly expensive, PRC's experience proves that a people-oriented, non-profit and socially responsible healthcare system can also be effective. This initiative to keep the doors of treatment open for the marginalized people will expand further in the future, the healthcare professionals hope.