In Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru, the Lions Clubs of District 316G have built a comprehensive health safety net, delivering specialized medical care to underserved communities, through targeted screenings, regular medical camps, and long-term investment in medical facilities.
A recent cancer screening initiative at Eluru’s Officers’ Club exemplifies this grassroots approach. Through collaboration between the Lions Clubs of Eluru Helapuri Rural, Eluru Durga Teja, and GSL Trust Cancer & Research Centre, medical teams provided ultrasound scans and mammograms to over 90 individuals. Three cases requiring further evaluation were referred to GSL Cancer Hospital in Rajamahendravaram. District Governor Kakarala Venubabu supported the effort by introducing educational materials focused on early detection.
Since 1998, the Eluru Helapuri Lions Club has been running monthly medical camps under the guidance of Dr. Y. Jagan Mohan Rao, a recipient of the Ambassador of Goodwill award. The club has also restored sight to over 20,000 individuals through cataract surgeries.
The district’s focus on chronic disease management is evident in the Eluru Lions Club’s diabetes screening program, which has reached nearly 1,700 patients across 145 days. Their commitment to expanding local healthcare access led to the establishment of SMC Hospital in Pedavegi village, coinciding with their Silver Jubilee celebrations.
For the last 15 years, the Eluru Durga Teja Lions Club has been conducting bimonthly neurology camps under the leadership of Dr. Gopala Sivannarayana. Over 700 individuals receive specialized care for conditions such as hypertension and seizure disorders, at each camp.
