Cleft Surgeries at Durg, Chhattisgarh : The 27th State of India

When a study trip turned into amazement !

( From left : Thomas Tadros, Kenneth Barron, Katherine Kimbrell and Urmila Bajpai )

A few months ago, Thomas, Kenneth, Katherine and Urmila  four young first-year Medical students from USA initiated correspondence with Impact India Foundation, eager to spend their summer vacations enhancing their medical skills while travelling and learning about health delivery in developing countries.

Nothing could have prepared them for what they experienced in Durg. during the Lifeline Express's 49th project. The first day itself the Lifeline Express had an overwhelming 200 registrations! The students were thrown into a hectic frenzy over the following, days as young and old alike stood in long serpentine queues waiting for their miracle... the opportunity to smile.

Totally committed, the four youngsters are eager to be spokespersons for Impact India Foundation on their return to the United States of America.

" Observing the work of the Lifeline Express - both on the train and in the local hospitals and organisations involved - has made me realize that it takes a tremendous number of people to make the program successful. The train not only satisfies the needs of individual patients, but also catalyses the health care and social systems of the surrounding community. "

" Spending time in India and with the Lifeline Express has been sobering, educational and inspirational. There is so much need in India and it is so difficult to organise the support necessary to answer the call for help. Impact India is doing just that; they have developed a professional organisation from the ground up and turned Lifeline into a dedicated group that anyone would be proud to be associated with. I only hope that other groups m India are using LLE as a model for how a health-related NGO should operate. "

" Visiting the Lifeline Express has opened my eyes as to what can be accomplished with the proper dedication and vision. I was most impressed with the number and variety of people who were involved in the plastic surgery camp at Durg. The project required the coordination of surgeons from many different places as well as local hospitals, government and volunteer organisations. To inspire so many different groups to unite for one purpose is an achievement in itself not to mention the wonderful work Lifeline Express has done for its patients. "

" The Lifeline Express is an inspiring example of drastic improvements that can be made for people who are unable to access or afford medical care. The vast involvement of the local people along with a few central organisers is the key to the success of this project. It has been a great joy for me to see this project in Durg from its first day and to see its outcome in the smiling faces of the patients. The Lifeline Express should serve as a model of professionalism and organisation for future rural health care projects. "