Fri Dec 06 14:32:20 UTC 2024: ## Sundarbans Heroes Awarded for Decades of Life-Saving Boat Clinic Work

**Kolkata, India** – Mohammed Abdul Wohab and Sabitri Pal, founders of the Southern Health Improvement Samity (SHIS) foundation, were awarded the prestigious ‘Gold Visionary – The Real Hero of India’ award at the NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards on Friday. Their decades-long commitment to providing healthcare in the remote and challenging Sundarbans mangrove forest has earned them national recognition.

For over 40 years, SHIS has operated a network of boat clinics, bringing vital medical services to a population struggling with limited access to healthcare. Motivated by witnessing preventable deaths in his childhood, Wohab, a law graduate, and Pal, SHIS president, launched the initiative to combat diseases like tuberculosis, which lacked both treatment and diagnostic facilities in the region.

The organization’s five motorized boats, staffed by doctors and nurses, now cover over 2,500 square kilometers, providing treatment and diagnostic services. Their efforts have resulted in the treatment of over 100,000 tuberculosis patients and the provision of sanitation facilities for a similar number of people. They face daily challenges navigating the dangerous terrain, battling tigers, crocodiles, mosquitoes, and snakes, to reach those in need.

Wohab emphasized the importance of compassion and the richness of Indian culture in their work, stating that their dedication is an example of love and service that the world can learn from. Pal expressed gratitude for the award and highlighted the community’s appreciation for the essential healthcare services provided by SHIS. The award celebrates the extraordinary dedication of these individuals to improving lives in one of India’s most challenging environments.

Read More