The unit was set up to bring Western standards of oral, facial and dental care to the people of Chitrakoot and the surrounding area. There is a population of over a million people in the area with no other source of this sort of care. Most are without the means to go to one of the large towns which are many miles away. Most are very poor village people and some nomadic tribal people. They live at subsistence level and their only means of transport is an ox cart and some do not even have that.

There is a high incidence of dental disease, facial deformity and oral cancer. General health is poor and nutritional standards marginal. Health education is virtually non existant.

Poverty, Dental disease, Facial deformity and Oral cancer at Chitrakoot...

Whatever your clinical skills there is a need for them. Our existing volunteers encompass quite a wide range of disciplines. Volunteers also teach each other new skills and this is part of the challenge. Because the unit employs two full time India trained dentists and two nurses there is continuity of care, language support, and an opportunity to see particularly ayurvedic (herbal) medicine at work.The resident staff welcome the chance to learn new skills and ideas from volunteers.

Volunteers at Chitrakoot

Volunteers at Chitrakoot

The department in Chitrakoot is well equipped by Kavo and includes Xray and haematology investigation on site. Three surgeries and a consulting room are on site and patients travel large distances to be seen.

Out "on location" the resident staff are particularly adept at setting up a three sun -lounger surgery in a village complete with comprehensive equipment and all under a tree. The patients are delightful friendly children and adults who greatly appreciate the service you provide. The welcome is heart warming and work really becomes fun. A hundred or so patients can be expected at most village surgeries, the numbers swelled by many onlookers including cows, buffalo, monkeys, and the odd parrot. The school children have the day off and are organised to sing and dance as a welcome. A graduate couple, who are a husband and wife team, organise things and translate and make any announcements needed. They are also the means of communication between villages about the timing of our visits. It all runs very smoothly with no paperwork!

Whilst the volunteer emphasis is on clinical activity there is a need for persons with other skills to help in the DRI (research institute) teaching health and hygiene, English language and many other skills. One of our most popular volunteers taught welding and is booked for a return visit.

Volunteers at Chitrakoot

To sum up, if you want to do something really worthwhile and rewarding and very different with you skills, this is the place to visit. Retirement is no bar to joining.

Volunteers do fund themselves but apart from air fare (Approximately £500), the costs are low.

Full board and lodging to Western standards, and transport around works out at only £30 a day and there is not really any need or opportunity to spend more. Chitrakoot is vegetarian and teetotal which of course helps with economy, liver care and detoxing!

The volunteer testimonials say it all.

If you are considering going we do hold pre-visit briefings, a chance to meet those who have gone before, and an opportunity to become part of a developing family of highly motivated professionals. Please feel free to contact any of the Trustees for further advice.