Provide dental hygiene for tribals.

Overview 

The tribals of Gudalur are an exploited marginalized community. They had no access to health care. Deaths, from causes that were easily preventable, were rampant. The tribal population was dwindling in number. At this time ASHWINI was founded. The organization has been working for the health welfare of tribals since 1990.

The Basics 

Dental care has been a neglected topic in the past; and patients were coming forward only when they were grossly infected. The dental clinic was established in 2003 with the support of Rotary Club of Bangalore and the Toshniwal Trust.

How It Works 

• Today, there is more stress on preventive care and many come for routine screenings as well as early treatment.
• This has helped to prevent morbidity from dental illnesses.
• This donation will be used only for tribal patients.
• All patients are referred to the clinic by the hospital or by NGO workers.

Statistics 

• 3-5 – Number of patients who are treated every day
• 7 days – Number of days in a week during which the clinic remains open
• 1/3rd – Proportion of patients who are tribal
• 2/3rd – Proportion of patients who are non-tribals
• 75% – Percentage of non-tribal patients who are poor