HE earned a six-figure salary as a medical doctor, but gave it all up for a two-figure income when he became a “doctor for beggars”. This is Dr. Abhijit Sonawane in a nutshell. It all began when he was tired and exhausted when walking on the streets one day and was approached by a homeless couple who looked as though they had not eaten in days. But they stopped, asked if he was alright and offered him food, even though they had nothing for themselves. This moment did more than warm his heart. It set in motion a transformation that changed not only his career but himself as a person.
The homeless suffer almost all forms of misery – no roof over their heads, no food to eat, no clean water to drink, no concern from people around them and no medical attention for their problems. From a minor infection to diseases such as cancer, medical problems require immediate and constant care but for the homeless, this is nonexistent. Without everything that people need to live, the homeless suffer from poor health and a shortened life span. Furthermore, homeless people are also vulnerable to abuse and exploitation on the streets without shelter to keep them safe. For them, Dr. Abhijit Sonawane brings medical care to them and takes the time to build a close and personal relationship with each of them. This was his mission when he founded Soham Trust to care for the homeless with medical support.
In this short video, Dr. Abhijit Sonawane explains how this Doctor For Beggars helps and empowers homeless people with medical care and personal support through Soham Trust:
How Dr. Abhijit Sonawane became a Doctor For Beggars
Dr. Abhijit Sonawane wanted to do something for the homeless couple who helped when he was in need, but not just as a one-time act of charity. He made a decision to dedicate his career to helping people who are often ignored and considered a nuisance by passersby on the street, yet have the same will to live and thrive as everyone else. So in 2015 he quit his high-paying job as a doctor in Mumbai and moved to Pune where he started searching the streets for people in need of medical attention and help them with their ailments. It came as no surprise that everywhere he turned, he found people – young and old, able and disabled, men and women – who were only in need of someone to show them that they cared. A mission he was ready and willing to take on as the Doctor For Beggars.
Waiting outside temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras
The Doctor For Beggars had no separate hospital for the homeless to come to. So he set out to find them where they are. After scouting the city a few times, Dr. Abhijit Sonawane discovered that most homeless people sit outside religious buildings such as temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras in the hopes that those who visit these religious institutions will show them some kindness and offer food and water. While many people do exactly this, what the homeless lack is further care. Their immediate needs may be met to a minimum extent, but they still suffer with preventable and treatable illnesses and diseases. Dr. Abhijit Sonawane fits his medical equipment on his motorbike, and rides to religious places to offer his medical services and show the homeless that he cares for their futures.
What medical conditions do homeless people suffer from?
Everything that a person needs to have good health is missing in the lives of the homeless. Without nutritious food and proper medical attention, homeless people suffer from starvation, malnutrition, blindness, anemia, infections, lung related problems and severe Cancer, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Pneumonia complications. Furthermore, because most homeless people have been abandoned by their families and thrown out onto the streets, they also suffer from depression, mental health issues, mental disabilities, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies. When homeless people try to find employment, they are often shunned and turned away. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and homelessness and without the means to improve their lives, their medical conditions worsen.
How begging becomes their only means for survival
The homeless have no choice but to beg in order to survive. Many homeless people are forced into their circumstances because of extreme poverty and the lack of opportunities for those who are disadvantaged and underprivileged. Blocked from education and employment opportunities, homeless people have no choice to improve their lives or futures and have to focus on their immediate needs such as where their next meal will come from. For this, homeless people extend their hands to people who walk past them hoping for a morsel of food or a few coins to buy something to eat. Even though this way of living is not sustainable, homeless people are denied opportunities to do anything else except beg for food so they face each day with the will to survive and the hope for people’s mercies.
What help does Dr. Abhijit Sonawane need?
Soham Trust’s Doctor For Beggars is in need of support to purchase much needed medicines and medical equipment that his homeless patients desperately need. When you support this fundraiser, you will help Dr. Abhijit Sonawane purchase:
- medicines for Diabetes, blood pressure, anemia and other diseases and conditions
- mobility aids such as walkers, knee braces and neck braces for elderly patients
- pre and post-surgical care for accident victims and those with severe medical needs
Homeless people who are old and disabled suffer more than others. These medicines, equipment and tools will help homeless seniors receive the medical care they need to recover from their medical problems and have better health.
Support this selfless Doctor For Beggars
When you support Dr. Abhijit Sonawane of Soham Trust, also known as the Doctor For Beggars, you help prevent homeless people from suffering from preventable and treatable medical conditions and give them the chance to live better lives, with improved health and hope for the future. To support Dr. Abhijit Sonawane of Soham Trust:
Support the Doctor For Beggars
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Shirley has been in the development sector for over 10 years and is passionate about making a change in the world around her, including adopting dogs and writing to make a difference.
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