Currently in its fourth year, Pratit’s endeavors are stronger than ever before. What began as a group of friends sporadically teaching underprivileged children in North Kolkata has emerged as a movement of licensed physicians, local teachers, and over fifty university students from both India and the United States working in tandem to provide Kolkata’s most destitute residents with comprehensive medical and educational services all year round.

Throughout June and July 2011, a delegation of US students are joining their Indian counterparts to enhance and invigorate Pratit’s ongoing mission in the below poverty line communities concentrated in Northern Kolkata.

The driving force behind Pratit’s development objectives is putting community empowerment at the center. We have reinforced the formation of a series of action committees comprised of local leaders and residents in each of our target communities. Through such grassroots civic engagement, Pratit has rallied to give voice to the disempowered. For instance, on 22^nd June, we witnessed the success of our community based mechanism as the Pratit team and residents of the Indira Colony squatter settlement successfully negotiated with the local administration for a relocation plan in the face of imminent slum demolition. The livelihoods of over three hundred residents were saved as they were promised temporary relocation for 2-3 years during the construction of the Kolkata metro.

At present our medical services address the needs of patients spread across five slums in the Baranagar and Kamarhati municipalities of Kolkata. Over the past year, weekly outpatient clinics have rotated through these communities, providing 2265 patients with health examinations and medication free of cost.  Uniquely, we fund additional diagnostic testing wherever required, and follow through with chronically afflicted patients on a regular basis, by maintaining meticulous records of our patients and monitoring outcomes. Furthermore, we ensure an effective referral system for critical cases by directing them to appropriate centers for specialty consultation and treatment. In addition, we ensure a sustained impact through targeted health awareness campaigns alongside opportunities for academic enrichment and experiential learning aimed at self-reliance for the future generations.

With a commitment to scalable expansion, we ensure that the benefits provided by Pratit exceed the cost of expansion. Hence, in 2011 we witnessed a 190% growth in our monthly patient pool by increasing the frequency of clinics and outreach to three new communities. However, our monthly expenditures rose only by 70% compared to 2010.

Such successes would not have been possible without the support and well wishes of our patrons. For that, we - and all the individuals whose lives have been transformed - are deeply grateful. Yet we are at a critical juncture in our growth as we continue to refine social impact and cost effectiveness. Imagine the great heights that remain to be achieved with your continued help and support. For that, we - and all the individuals whose lives remain in question - request you to engage in our endeavor in whatever way that you can.

-The Pratit International Team