The problem.
Lack of sufficient healthcare is a major problem facing developing countries today. While economic growth has been exponential in past decade, improvements in healthcare have not taken the same leap. The disparities between income and social classes have actually widened. In fact, around two-thirds of the population lives without direct access to health care. According to the UN Millenium Development Goals Report 2014, India holds one-third of the world's extremely poor population, the largest share in any one country.
Eighteen percent (18%) of global deaths occur in India and according to the NIH, 36% of these deaths are due to "communicable diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies." Many lives can be saved with preventative medicine, education, and basic health care; things that we take for granted everyday.
Our goal.
MedICamp's main mission is to provide free healthcare to those living in poverty in the rural villages surrounding Bareilly and Agra, India. This year, we are committed to raising $7,500 for 150 free surgeries and/or medical care at the medical school hospital, Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences in Bareilly, (UP) Northern India. In additional to donating to the SRMS hospital, we are also looking forward to hosting our own eye camp in Agra where we will be attending to patients who have any issues regarding their eyesight. In December 2016, MedICamp will send 10-15 dedicated student volunteers to the site to work alongside the medical staff and oversee the project. Each volunteer will sponsor five patients both financially, and by visiting the local areas and following the patients before and after surgery to ensure they recieve sustainable health care. We will also provide basic preventative education in the clinic to inform patients about common and preventable health problems. By providing free health care and education, we are closing the social and economic gap that prevents many people escape poverty.
Who we are.
MedICamp is a UCSD student-run, not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing medical students together under the common interest of advancing health in the community. We specifically focus on global outreach, encouraging students to think and act on a worldwide scale.
