International Medical Camp
Since 2015, the annual Medical Camp takes place on the Ashram grounds to commemorate the birthday of Sri Kaleshwar on the 8th of January. This event is organized by Shirdi Sai Global Trust (SSGT) together with Medical-Aid India e.V. Deutschland. For many people from nearby villages the free access to medical treatment is their only hope for medical attention. This includes the medical work of General MD's, dermatologists, ENT's and hearing specialists. Every year hundreds of people get free medical support.
By providing free medical screening, diagnosis and treatment, SSGT has addressed and treated many diseases. Direct intervention and preventative education have improved the overall standard of health in and around the surrounding villages in Andhra Pradesh. During these clinics, western doctors from Germany, Austria, and the US have collaborated with local government doctors, donating their time and service to support the SSGT mission.
Update
In just the first two days of our medical camp 2025, more than 750 patients have been treated . So many deeply heart-touching encounters, stories that stay with you and moments that remind us why we are here.
Five days of an international medical camp — over 1,500 patients treated free of charge and 329 hearing aids distributed.
Countless touching encounters, unforgettable stories, and lives changed through a remarkable improvement in quality of life.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the international medical team led by Dr. Susanne Wagener from MedicalAid India e.V., and to all the dedicated helpers on site from SSGT.
Their compassion, commitment and teamwork made this possible.
We look back with gratitude on the International Medical Camp that took place from January 8–12, 2025.
At that time, many hundreds of patients from the nearby villages came to receive free medical treatment. They were cared for by an ENT doctor, a dermatologist, a general practitioner, hearing aid specialists, dentists, and manual therapists.
All services were provided completely free of charge, as most of the patients would otherwise not have been able to afford medical treatment.
Over the years, the provision of hearing aids in particular made a significant impact on the lives of many people, especially young children. Many of them suffered from severe ear damage and were in urgent need of high-range hearing aids for both ears.
The average cost of one high-range hearing aid was around USD 85 / EUR 80.
In the 5 days more than 1200 patients have received free medical treatment. There were ENT doctor, dermatologist, hearing aids specialists, medical nurses and translators dedicating their time and expertise. For the first time manual therapy was offered as well, which will be continued in the coming years as well.
Medical Aid India collects, cleans and repairs used hearing aids to compensate for low-moderate hearing loss. For each camp, at least 250 new hearing aids, power devices to compensate for severe hearing impairment bordering on deafness, are also required.
The ENT doctors were and are still very surprised to see the severe hearing damage many patients, especially young children, are suffering. We are speaking about a hearing loss of 80-90%, in most cases both ears are affected.
Some children have never heard the loving voice of their mother, have never heard their own sound. They cannot hear, they cannot speak, they can follow their education only with utmost difficulties. You can only imagine how very touching it is for the patient, their parents and the medical staff to be part of the miracle when they for the very first time are able to hear a sound. To see and feel their surprise, awe, wonder and tears.
After a 2-year break, the medical camp was held again from 22 to 26 February. Thanks to the very dedicated team of Medical Aid India, E.V. led by Dr. med. Susanne Wegener and the SSGT team, more than 1000 patients received free medical treatment during these 5 days.
A total of 599 patients were treated by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, 412 patients were treated for skin problems, and 335 hearing aids were distributed. Among them are many children suffering from severe hearing loss and damage to the ears. Former patients also came back to have their hearing aids checked and fitted. Every 3 months, a hearing specialist from Bangalore will be here to provide support to these patients.
It is a huge blessing to see so many faces full of joy and gratitude and to receive their love. A big thank you to the medical team and supporters who made this wonderful work possible. The plan for the next medical camp in 2024, is to train especially parents, school teachers and community leaders in ‘improving ear health’.
"When you have nothing left, no money, nothing... Whoever supports you during this time, saying, “I am with you. Let's go. I will go with you, don't worry. Let's go.” That is the person. A true human being. Of course, the Almighty already takes care of you in many ways. But you are still a human being. Protecting true relationships, caring for them and nurturing them—there is no religion for that. Religion is nothing but pure humanity."