Skin diseases are a widespread public health challenge in rural India, especially in areas where people are regularly exposed to contaminated water, mud, and poor sanitation conditions.

Chetna Vikas is addressing this issue with the support of SKS Capital & Research Pvt. Ltd.through community-based skin disease treatment camps in Masalia Block, Dumka District, Jharkhand.

The project provides free dermatological consultation, medicines and hygiene awareness programs for vulnerable rural communities including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and low-income farming families.

This initiative is designed not only to treat existing infections but also to reduce the long-term prevalence of preventable skin diseases.

Key Results

• 837 people directly reached through rural health camps

• 259 skin disease patients treated during initial camps

• 114 follow-up consultations conducted

• 145 new patients identified and treated

• Over 70% recovery rate among treated patients

Beyond medical outcomes, the project also strengthened community trust in healthcare services and increased awareness about hygiene and preventive health

Our Approach

1. Community-Based Health Camps

Chetna Vikas organized special health camps across six locations covering eight villages.

Patients received:

• Dermatological consultation from specialist doctors

• Free medicines and treatment

• Diagnosis of skin infections and other health conditions

• General medical care for additional health problems

2. Awareness and Behaviour Change

Alongside treatment, the project conducted community awareness sessions on hygiene and disease prevention.

Villagers learned practical habits such as:

• Regular bathing with soap

• Proper handwashing

• Safe work practices while working in muddy or contaminated environments

• Early medical consultation for skin infections

These sessions help communities prevent recurring infections and adopt healthier lifestyles.

3. Follow-Up Care

A key strength of the intervention is continuity of care.

Follow-up camps were organized after one month to:

• Review recovery of previously treated patients

• Provide additional medication where needed

• Identify and treat new patients

Patients were also given hygiene kits containing soap, antiseptic lotion, antifungal powder, coconut oil, and cotton to support hygiene practices at home.

Transforming Lives

Many patients had suffered from untreated skin diseases for years due to lack of access to medical care.

Through the camps, they received timely treatment and regained confidence in their health. One patient who had struggled with severe skin infections for years reported significant recovery within one month of treatment. Another daily wage labourer who could not afford private treatment has now fully recovered and returned to work.

These stories reflect the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare services in rural communities.

Through this initiative, Chetna Vikas is improving access to dermatological healthcare in rural Jharkhand, promoting preventive health practices and reducing the burden of skin infections in underserved communities.

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