🤝 Healing with Dignity: SAS Foundation’s Commitment to Health Equity and Compassionate Support

At Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), we are guided by a simple yet powerful belief — that every individual deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, regardless of their financial background. Our mission aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, and we actively seek opportunities to support those in vulnerable situations.

In a country where millions face challenges navigating the high cost of medical treatment, particularly for chronic or life-threatening conditions, organizations like ours become a crucial lifeline. One such story is that of Mr. Ashok Bagri, a courageous individual whose journey through illness reflects both the emotional and financial hardships many families endure.

🌿 A Story of Strength: Meet Mr. Ashok Bagri

The story begins with Madhu Bagri, a devoted daughter who approached the SAS Foundation in a moment of urgent need. Her father, Mr. Ashok Bagri, a 51-year-old man from a humble background, has been battling multiple severe health conditions over the years.

In 2017, Mr. Bagri suffered a major intracerebral hemorrhage, an event that deeply affected the family — emotionally, physically, and financially. After months of recovery and rehabilitation, the family managed to regain some stability, but their challenges were far from over.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Bagri family was once again shaken — this time with a diagnosis of carcinoma buccal mucosa, a form of oral cancer. Mr. Bagri had to undergo a combination of external beam radiotherapy, five intensive chemotherapy sessions, surgery, and a regimen of long-term medication and injections to support his recovery.

Despite the family’s best efforts, including depleting personal savings and borrowing funds, the cost of post-treatment care, including prescribed medicines and injections, became unmanageable.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 A Timely Intervention

Moved by the urgency and sincerity of Madhu Bagri’s request, SAS Foundation immediately began reviewing the case through our medical and financial aid panel. After detailed assessment of medical prescriptions, treatment history, and financial documents, the Foundation recognized that this was a case where timely help could change the course of someone’s recovery.

With compassion at our core, we decided to sponsor 60% of the total cost of Mr. Bagri’s medicines and post-operative care, providing much-needed relief to the Bagri family.

This support means not only access to life-saving drugs but also reduced emotional and financial stress, allowing the family to focus on caregiving and recovery, rather than struggling with bills.

🏥 Why This Matters: Healthcare Inequality in India

India’s public health infrastructure, though evolving, still leaves many gaps, especially for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer. While urban centers offer world-class treatment, affordability remains a barrier for the lower-middle class and marginalized groups.

• Cancer treatment in India can cost ₹3 to ₹8 lakhs depending on the type and stage, not including post-treatment support.
• A significant number of patients discontinue treatment midway due to cost, often leading to worsening health outcomes.
• Families often sell assets or fall into debt to keep up with medical expenses.

At SAS Foundation, we believe no one should have to choose between food and medicine, or between a loved one’s life and household survival. Our health interventions, especially under Project Aarogyam, aim to bridge the gap between critical care and affordability.

💡 Our Broader Health Mission

Our support to Mr. Bagri is not a one-off case. It is part of our growing commitment to holistic health initiatives across India. SAS Foundation works at the intersection of health, education, environment, and empowerment — believing that well-being is the foundation for all other aspects of life.

Our health programs include:

✅ Financial Aid for Critical Illnesses

Covering up to 60–80% of medication or diagnostic expenses for economically challenged families.

✅ Awareness and Screening Camps

Organizing free breast cancer, cervical cancer, and diabetes screenings, especially in semi-urban and rural belts.

✅ Health Literacy and Emotional Support

Conducting online and offline workshops to help families understand disease management, mental health, and caregiving practices.

✅ Healthcare Access for Women and Children

Partnering with hospitals and primary health centers to ensure maternity care, vaccinations, and nutrition support for women and children in underserved communities.

🌐 SDG 3 in Action: A Healthier Tomorrow for All

Our efforts tie directly into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially:

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

Every initiative, whether a cancer treatment subsidy or a health awareness session, helps move the needle forward toward these global goals.

💬 Voices of Gratitude

The Bagri family expressed immense gratitude for the support they received:

“We had almost lost hope, but the SAS Foundation’s help gave us new strength to continue my father’s treatment. Their support was timely, kind, and life-changing,” shared Madhu Bagri.

We’re humbled by their trust and remain committed to walking beside families like theirs — not just as funders, but as partners in hope and healing.

🤝 How You Can Help

Healing is a collective effort. If you’re wondering how you can support families like the Bagries, here are a few ways:

• Donate to our healthcare fund and directly impact someone’s recovery journey
• Partner with us through CSR programs focused on health and well-being
• Volunteer your time or medical expertise for our health workshops
• Spread awareness by sharing our stories on social media
• Nominate a patient in need for consideration through our official channels

Every contribution — whether big or small — helps us bring care, comfort, and dignity to those who need it most.

🌱 Our Commitment Continues

We wish Mr. Ashok Bagri a complete and speedy recovery and assure the family of our ongoing support. His story is a powerful reminder that when communities come together, miracles happen — not because they are magical, but because they are human, heartfelt, and timely.

As we continue to grow our reach and strengthen our programs, we remain rooted in our founding belief: Healthcare is not a privilege — it’s a human right. And we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that right is realized for all.

📢 Stay Connected. Support. Share.

Join us on this mission of care and compassion.

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/d7Qzwvtw
🌐 Follow our stories and updates on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter