Mumbai: A 300-strong gathering of shanty dwellers from Mumbai as well as tribals from various parts of Maharashtra congregated at Holy Name School, Colaba, Thursday.
Far from attending a religious ceremony though, they had come to testify how a wellness programme initiated by the Catholic Church was bringing them benefit.
The Catholic Church runs a preventive healthcare programme called the Health Promotion Trust (HPT) which imparts the virtues of home remedies and ayurveda to poor families. Thursday marked the 15th anniversary of HPT, The Times of India reported.
Fr Rocky Banz who leads the programme said, “Our mission is to impart the benefits of natural home remedies, yoga, acupressure and ayurveda to poor tribal communities who have little or no access to modern healthcare. Our volunteers fan out across slums in Mumbai and remote villages across Maharashtra training local residents in ethnic methods of treatment. We give certificates as well, which enables them to train people in their communities.”
Fifty centres participated in Thursday’s gathering. “Villagers and slum dwellers gave testimonials to say how common kitchen ingredients like turmeric, honey, ginger, even simply warm water at the start of the day, prevented common ailments like cough and cold and saved many a trip to the doctor,” said Sr Suvarna Fernandes who implements HPT’s programme in Roha.
Fr Rocky pointed out that poor tribals end up spending Rs 100 as consultation fees apart from buying medicines and travelling long distances. “Instead they are now spending that amount towards better nutrition and education,” he said.
Bishop emeritus Agnelo Gracias and auxiliary bishop John Rodrigues filled in for Cardinal Gracias who is indisposed.