Practo Since its inception, Practo’s vision has been to help make quality healthcare accessible for a billion+ Indians. To make this a reality, the company built products and services to improve the convenience, accessibility, and affordability of quality healthcare. But, around two years back, this vision was taken one step further by including the delivery of quality healthcare for underserved communities. Aligned with Practo’s larger vision, this was an extended mission now being driven by the Practo Foundation.
Back in August 2021, in the first phase, Practo Foundation supported societies hit hardest during the pandemic through the distribution of COVID-19 medical kits, online doctor consultations, free diagnostics, and medicines. Understanding the needs of the communities, Practo Foundation created a hotline number to raise requests for medical assistance at all times.
With each phase, Practo Foundation’s journey adapted to the realities on the ground. Starting with primary healthcare during the pandemic, it expanded to include secondary and tertiary care. Now, the Foundation has narrowed its focus to cataracts, a prevalent condition affecting over 80% of the 22 million blind population (as per the WHO/NPCB survey). The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, with an annual incidence of cataract blindness reaching 3.8 million. The cumulative loss of Gross National Income due to avoidable blindness in India is INR 11,778.6 billion (Int$ 535 billion). This cumulative loss of Gross National Income due to blindness has increased almost three times in the past two decades.
Its approach to screening is centered on reaching the last mile, ensuring that beneficiaries have easy access to healthcare checkups. It strategically organizes camps closer to beneficiary residences, minimizing the distance they need to travel. By collaborating with local administrative officials, it streamlines the process and enhances attendance rates. Additionally, it upholds stringent quality standards through various measures. All its partner hospitals adhere to strict registration and accreditation requirements, such as NABH for hospitals, ensuring initial verification. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are implemented at every stage, guaranteeing standardized and efficient processes. Surgical eligibility is carefully assessed, and consent forms are obtained from beneficiaries before each surgery. Post-operative care protocols are rigorously followed to minimize the risk of reinfection, with beneficiaries educated on proper care practices. Regular audits ensure operational integrity, ensuring surgeries are executed seamlessly without any gaps. Each camp operates with the utmost quality and integrity, delivering essential healthcare services to those in need.
Impact So Far
Since its inception, Practo Foundation has made significant strides in its mission, helping provide 2000 free cataract surgeries through more than 170 eye camps in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Yet, the journey is far from over. With a strong commitment to serving those in need, the Foundation has set an ambitious goal: to enable 10,000 free cataract surgeries.
Building a Healthier, More Productive Future
A healthy population is the foundation of a thriving economy. Practo Foundation understands this and has been working towards empowering underserved communities with quality healthcare. However, the future goals remain to build self-sustaining healthcare models that deliver comprehensive care for the underserved population– from primary to tertiary. This empowers individuals, improves health outcomes, and ultimately boosts national productivity. By ensuring quality healthcare, the Foundation looks to equip people to enter/re-enter the workforce, care for their families, and actively contribute to the nation’s progress.
For more details, write to us at info@practofoundation.org; Follow us on: LinkedIn
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Surabhi Patodia
Founder Trustee, Practo Foundation & AVP – Communications & Content, Practo
