AIPNO Medical Yatra 2019 - Indian doctors from Cleveland give free medical care to the neediest

Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO) was founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization of physicians of Indian origin in Northern Ohio. With a membership of over 300 physicians who meet regularly for educational, charitable and social events, the organization provides an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the local community and to make friendships that last.

AIPNO also provides service and aid to underserved areas and disaster affected sites.

A 'Yatra' is a holy pilgrimage. For years, Dr Jaya Shah and Ramesh Shah have led an AIPNO Medical Yatra to tend to the needs of the poorest in different areas of India. Many of the people that the team of doctors see and treat have never had any contact with a medical professional.

Here are some facts and photos from the 2019 Medical Yatra.

Please contact Ramesh Shah at rameshcleveland@gmail.com for more information.

2019 Cleveland Rotart AIPNO medical yatra

We are humbled to be Part of the Sanitary Pads Revolution. Medical YATRA started making Sanitary Pads in Kharel, Guj. in 2016; since then we have installed at 5-locations in India.

Ramesh Shah

Visit to sanitary pads m/c

In 2018, we installed in Ludhiana, P. That has helped so many hundreds of girls/women to prevent infection & have better personal hygiene boosting their self-esteem.

Oscar Trophy for sanitary pad work

SHOES Distribution to Triabal School Children

During YATRA 2014 @ Dharampur, Dr Nuli was heart broken seeing so many children in schools NOT having proper footwear-chappals, shoes etc. and some of them wearing broken & torn footwear. He decided to change the situation in 2019 YATRA by donating $1,000 to buy footwear. "This helped to build up their self esteem, NOT to miss school days and NOT hurt themselves.” Dr Nuli said.

Shoe distribution

Students thankful to have shoes

Ummed School, Ludhiana, P. (A school for children in slum)
Dr. Param Saini

Rotary Club Ludhiana Greater has been focusing on improving the learning outcomes of poor and underprivileged children in the slums. Their parents are daily wagers not interested in sending their children to school. The setting up the school with volunteer and convincing parents to send their children was a task in itself. Parents were reluctant to send their children to school; most kids were taking care of their younger children at home. The club began with a reward system to attract kids and slowly increased the number from 5 to 35, hired a teacher and introduced the same curriculum as offered in Government Schools.

The Club is not only emphasizing children's academic proficiency but also overall holistic development. On Saturdays these children are involved in number of cultural activities: dancing, singing, sports, art and craft to polish their talent in the best possible way.

These children are provided uniforms, foot wears, stationary and toiletries on regular basis. The aim is to bring about change in all aspects that affect their growth, wellbeing and potential, particularly their sanitation, health, nutrition and access to higher education. The club is proud to have sent 10 children for further education to local Govt. School in the last two years.