Meet The Man Who Feeds 600 Relatives Of Cancer Patients Daily

How many of us have ever wondered about relatives of poor patients coming to metro cities from far-flung areas for health treatment? Most times, these relatives tend to end up ignoring their food and health while serving their unwell dear ones.

Harakhchand Savla, a Mumbai based hotelier turned social activist has been feeding relatives of cancer patients for over 30 years now.  On a daily basis, a vehicle from Jeevan Jyot Trust travels to JJ Hospital, St George Hospital and Cama Hospital in Mumbai twice a day with nutritious food. This includes dal, rice, vegetables, chapattis, milk and bananas.

Relatives of cancer patients being served with food at JJ Hospital

Jeevan Jyot Trust earlier had about 700 relatives of patients being fed daily. Now, however the number has reduced to 600 as they are unable to feed relatives at Tata Hospital due to some issues. The trust incurs an average cost of Rs 17,500 daily for this activity. Relatives of patients are required to submit medical documents for which Identity cards are issued to prevent misuse.

There are several NGOs working towards welfare and treatment of cancer patients. These NGO’s provide food, monetary help towards treatment and medicines. But the plight of relatives who have been at patients’ service tend to be ignored completely.

“I realised the plight of relatives once when I overheard a conversation between a patient’s relative and doctor. The relative went to the doctor complaining of stomach ache. The doctor asked him about the food he ate lastly. It turned out that the relative had been eating vadapav everyday as it was very cheap and filling. The relative said that he had been doing so to save money for the cancer patient’s treatment. I was touched as patients get meals from the hospitals, poor relatives wander around for food and shelter,” Savla said while explaining the reason behind the initiative.

Most times the situation of relatives is often not taken into consideration. These relatives are often under the pressure of responsibilities. “There have been many instances where relatives have abandoned the patients in hospitals and moved back to their hometowns. It is important to encourage relatives and support them emotionally so that they are able to cater to their responsibilities,” added Savla, clad in white kurta-pyjama.

Christmas party organised for cancer children affected

Jeevan Jyot runs 60 social activities out of which 30 are related to cancer. These include giving out free medicines to patients, providing monetary help for cancer treatment, toy bank for cancer affected children, recreational activities for them, collection and distribution of clothes for poor patients and relatives among many others.

Savla, quit his flourishing hotel business in Lower Parel for dedicating his time and energy for cancer patients.  An instance during his hotel stint motivated him to do something for the welfare of cancer patients. “I was approached by two young girls requesting help for their mother’s cancer treatment.  I accompanied them during the treatment frequently. The mother recovered well from cancer. This experience left an impact. As time passed by, I started getting many cases for help and I could hardly focus on work. Gradually, with my family’s support I decided to focus only on social activities,” added Savla.

Recently, the trust inaugurated a pathology lab for the underprivileged. They plan to have 25 such labs in Mumbai and Thane.

If you wish to connect with the trust you can contact them on 022-2415 3453 or visit www.jeevanjyot.in for details.

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The CSR Journal Team