In the rural Maharashtra region, accessibility to extensive healthcare is yet a challenge for women, especially for essential services such as cancer screenings. However, stigma revolving around women’s health and limited awareness of early detection increases this issue. 

This leads to a late-stage diagnosis of conditions like cervical or breast cancer. This significant gap in healthcare accessibility drastically affects women from marginalized communities and leaves them vulnerable without support for early intervention.

Identifying this issue, Finolex Industries Limited (FIL) and Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) launched a transformative initiative in 2014, which provided mammography and cancer screenings via biannual camps in Ratnagiri. Over the past decade, this program has offered life-saving screenings for 5,000 women and empowered them with early diagnoses and financial support for follow-up treatment. 

This initiative is designed to address the critical gap in women’s healthcare and foster awareness about health and community participation. From its impact beginning in Ratnagiri to its expansion in Pune, FIL and MMF’s dedication highlights the transformative dedication to early cancer detection and extensive support in saving lives and promoting healthier communities. 

Key Initiatives

Finolex Industries Limited (FIL) and Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) have established significant partnerships over the past decade. This initiative prioritizes women’s healthcare through innovative initiatives such as biennial mammography camps in Maharashtra. 

Launched in 2014, this program has successfully provided free cancer screenings to over 5,000 women from marginalized communities, showcasing resilience by continuing operations even during a pandemic. 

This initiative emphasizes the significance of early detection, which is essential for effective cancer treatment. Through extensive follow-up care and financial support for further treatment when required, FIL and MMF are committed to improving health outcomes for women who might lack access to important medical services. 

Additionally, a vital initiative of this collaboration includes a wide array of medical services like sonography, Pap smears, mammography, and varied blood tests. These services are further complemented by gynecological consultation and nutritional guidance to foster a holistic approach to women’s health. 

This partnership began with donating a mammography machine to Chirayu Hospital in Ratnagiri, which later relocated to Parkar Hospital to improve accessibility. 

In response to the success of these camps, FIL and MMF expanded efforts to Pune in 2023 by donating another mammography machine to Bharati Hospital and organizing awareness sessions aimed at encouraging local women to leverage vital healthcare services. 

This initiative fosters awareness and empowers women by addressing the stigma linked with cancer screenings and promotes informed health decisions within the community. 

Implementation and Services

Finolex Industries Limited (FIL) and Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) have made significant progress in women’s healthcare through their collaborative initiative. It focuses on offering free mammography screenings to women from marginalized communities in Maharashtra. The camps, conducted bi-annually, screened 5,000 women, ensuring that these services continued without interruption even during the pandemic. 

This initiative emphasizes early detection of breast cancer and provides extensive follow-up care, like financial assistance for further treatment when required. The collaboration between FIL and MMF has led to the identification of precancerous or cancerous conditions in 0.5% to 1% of women screened, highlighting the significant role of early detection in improving health outcomes. 

The services offered during these health camps are designed to address varied aspects of women’s health. These include mammography, Pap smear tests, sonography, general health assessments like gynecology consultation, and blood tests. 

Additionally, these camps organize awareness sessions and offer subsidized access to healthcare facilities. Recent efforts have included donating a mammography machine to Bharati Hospital in Pune and establishing monthly camps targeting specific groups like rag-pickers and women from urban slums. 

By promoting an environment of support and encouragement, FIL and MMF aim to empower women to focus on their health and make informed decisions regarding their well-being. They also aim to address the stigma around women’s health examinations. 

Impact Created

Finolex Industries Limited (FIL), in collaboration with Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), has achieved a remarkable milestone in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey by providing free mammography screenings to over 5,000 women in rural Maharashtra. 

Since 2014, this initiative has revolutionized women’s healthcare through biannual camps in Ratnagiri and Pune, promoting early cancer detection and delivering life-saving interventions. 

Over the last decade, this initiative has positively transformed lives by delivering accessible healthcare to marginalized women in rural Maharashtra. From Ratnagiri to Pune, the program identified precancerous and cancerous conditions in 0.5% to 1% of screened women, highlighting the critical role of early detection in reducing cancer progression. 

Additionally, comprehensive medical services like mammography, Pap smears, and gynecological conditions have improved overall health outcomes. The provision of financial assistance for further treatment in severe cases reflects FIL and MMF’s holistic approach to women’s healthcare. 

This initiative goes beyond medical services by addressing social barriers like stigma and accessibility to healthcare. Underserved communities like rag-pickers to police women and self-help groups - this program has promoted grassroots awareness and trust. 

The initiative has expanded its reach and effectiveness with strategic partnerships, such as collaboration with the Prashanti Cancer Care Mission and the healthcare institution. As of 2024, it continues to grow, providing hope and health to thousands and setting an inspiring example of the private sector committed to societal well-being. 

Way Forward

The partnership between Finolex Industries Limited (FIL) and Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) has impacted women’s healthcare in Maharashtra over the past decade. As they move forward, both organizations are committed to expanding their initiatives aimed at early cancer detection and comprehensive health services for women, especially in underserved communities. 

Building on the success of their mammography camps, which benefited 5,000 women, FIL and MMF plan to enhance outreach efforts by increasing the frequency of health camps and introducing additional screening services custom-made to the specific needs of women in rural areas. 

Looking ahead, FIL and MMF are focused on promoting partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations to improve access to essential health services. They aim to implement awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of regular screenings and preventive care, making sure more women feel empowered to seek help.

Additionally, as part of their ongoing commitment to holistic healthcare, they plan to integrate mental health support and nutritional counseling into their programs. By addressing physical and mental well-being, FIL and MMF aspire to create a sustainable model of healthcare that uplifts women across Maharashtra, allowing them to lead healthier lives and contribute positively to their communities.