Shirdi: The Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Mane Medical Foundation & Research Centre, a non-governmental organisation based in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, to improve access to preventive healthcare for women in rural areas.
As part of this partnership, the two organisations have launched a free cancer screening and awareness programme targeting underprivileged women in Shirdi and other districts of Maharashtra. The initiative aims to screen 10,000 low-income women for cervical and breast cancer by December 2025.
The first screening camp took place on June 8 in Rahuri, around 60 km from Shirdi, where nearly 350 women were screened.
The programme focuses on early detection and aims to address the lack of access to timely diagnosis and care faced by many women due to financial and geographic constraints.
It is indicated that Dr. Mane Medical Foundation will manage on-ground implementation and community outreach. Screening will include Pap smears and clinical breast exams, as well as additional health checks—such as haemoglobin, blood sugar, and cholesterol tests—if required.
It is also stated that women with positive findings will be offered free treatment at Dr. Mane’s Charitable Cancer Hospital in Rahuri, Shirdi. The programme also includes training community health workers to help build local healthcare capacity.
Supported by Reliance Life Insurance, the initiative is currently active in Shirdi, with plans to expand to other districts, including Osmanabad and Ahilyanagar, identified as high-risk areas for cancer.
