Healthcare should never be a privilege only for those who can afford it. Yet in several pockets of Kolkata, especially in slums and relief settlements, women still struggle to access basic medical services and screenings. This leads to life-threatening conditions being detected too late, especially cancers such as breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. In this space, a Healthcare NGO plays a lifeline role — bringing medical services closer to those who need them the most.

One such organization leading impactful healthcare transformation in Kolkata is The WE Foundation, through its flagship initiative — Punarnava Cancer Mukta Jeevan. This project focuses on early detection, prevention, and awareness, ensuring that underprivileged women receive timely support and guidance toward a healthy life.

Affordable Medical Care for All

For many low-income families, even visiting a diagnostic center can be financially overwhelming. Women often prioritize household responsibilities over personal health, ignoring symptoms until they worsen. A Medical support NGO helps close this gap by ensuring that preventive healthcare is delivered in their neighborhoods — free and accessible.

Punarnava ensures that women between the ages of 16 to 65 years receive essential screenings without any cost. From general health check-ups to cancer-specific consultations, the initiative focuses on removing every barrier that delays early diagnosis.

Affordable healthcare becomes meaningful only when it reaches the last mile. The WE Foundation is making that possible by being present inside communities where support is most needed.

Role of NGOs in Cancer Awareness and Treatment

Cancers that affect women — especially breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer — are often treatable when detected in the early stages. But the challenge lies in awareness. Many women do not recognize early warning signs or feel hesitant to seek medical help.

This is where Cancer awareness organizations like The WE Foundation make a powerful difference. Punarnava focuses on:

• Community meetings to break taboos around women’s health
• Visual demonstrations explaining symptoms of common cancers
• Encouraging regular self-examination and prompt medical visits
• Busting myths and building scientific understanding

Awareness not only saves lives — it builds confidence, strengthens families, and ensures women take charge of their own well-being.

Free Health Camps and Checkups

A Free healthcare services NGO ensures that families do not have to choose between food and medical care. Punarnava organizes health screening camps in some of the most underserved wards in Kolkata — 67, 68, 80, 86, 87, 88, 89, 97, 103, 118, and 119 — covering settlements where women rarely undergo regular checkups.

These camps provide:

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Blood glucose testing
• Height, weight & nutrition assessment
• Hemoglobin (Hb) testing for anemia
• Gynecologist consultations
• Breast examinations for early lump detection
• Cancer-specific tests such as:

– CA-125 for Ovarian Cancer
– Pap Smear for Cervical Cancer
Additionally, nutrition counseling is offered so that women understand how local, affordable food choices can prevent lifestyle diseases and support recovery.

Every screening today prevents a medical emergency tomorrow — keeping families safer and financially stable.

Supporting Cancer Patients Financially

Even when cancer is detected early, immediate treatment can still feel intimidating — emotionally and financially. That is why a Kolkata NGO must provide comprehensive handholding, beyond just testing.

Punarnava ensures that high-risk cases are guided to government cancer hospitals where treatment is subsidized or fully supported. Patients are counselled to remain strong and continue the diagnostic process without delays.

Benefits provided include:

• Zero-cost screenings and consultations
• Referral support to the nearest cancer treatment facility
• Medical guidance from experts during follow-ups
• Lifestyle and nutrition support during recovery

This continuous support system ensures that women are not left alone after a diagnosis — they receive hope, dignity, and care at every step.

Kolkata’s Leading Healthcare Initiatives

Punarnava Cancer Mukta Jeevan stands among Kolkata’s most impactful healthcare interventions — transforming community health behaviors through proactive outreach.

Project Achievements so far:

• 5,000 women screened for major health and cancer risks
• 20,000+ family members indirectly impacted through awareness
• Identification of health-risk levels:

– 30% very high-risk
– 20% high-risk
– 30% medium-risk
– 20% low-risk

• Door-to-door survey ensuring personal connection and trust
• Community mobilization through UPHCs, Anganwadi centers & local clubs

The screenings are backed by The WE Foundation’s Health & Nutrition Centre, where women receive free advice and follow-up guidance.

Through this initiative, families learn the importance of early detection — creating long-term change in health-seeking behavior throughout Kolkata.

A Future Where Healthcare Becomes a Right for All

Healthcare is a human right — and initiatives like Punarnava are ensuring that right reaches every doorstep. With continued support, The WE Foundation plans to:

• Expand screenings to more wards and slum settlements
• Strengthen referral networks with hospitals
• Conduct more targeted awareness campaigns for women and adolescents
• Offer long-term follow-up for high-risk individuals

When women are healthy, families thrive, children grow, and communities progress. Preventive healthcare becomes the foundation of a stronger and more hopeful Kolkata.

Your support can help save lives.

Partner with The WE Foundation to extend these services to more women who are silently fighting health challenges without support.

Together — we can ensure a Cancer-free and stronger future for Kolkata’s communities.