Center for Health Market Innovations (CHMI)

Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP), a project of the Maharogi Sewa Samiti(MSS), Warora, was started by the legendary social worker Baba Amte in 1973 for integrated development of Madia-Gond, the primitive tribals of Bhamragad in Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra, India. The Maharogi Sewa Samiti's Tribal Welfare Programmes have gained international recognition for their preservation of the culture of tribals of India, who are facing extinction through modern development, exploitation and disease. Lok Biradari Prakalp (The People's Brotherhood) [Est. – 1973] situated in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra serves the Madia-Gond tribals who are alienated from the outside world. In this particular project primary health care was given top priority. Six sub centres were started in the interior forest area, geographically wide apart from the main hospital, of which three are still functional. The centre, started in 1973, has recently developed into a full fledged hospital having 40 beds and caters to over 45,000 patients annually. At Hemalkasa the hospital is ensconced in the surrounding dense forest, where the Madia Gond tribal patients feel most comfortable in recuperating after their treatment. Hundreds of patients come daily to the hospital traversing long and difficult terrain on foot. Dr.Prakash and Manda treat almost 45,000 patients every year entirely free of cost and provide round the clock services for the emergency cases.