Project Aim
Project RH is one of the first and largest healthcare initiatives organized by Rigel Foundation during its five-year journey. The name ‘RH’ represents both ‘Right to Health’ and the ‘Rhesus factor’ in blood groups. This project aimed to provide free diabetes tests and Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests to the general public, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Project Summary
Project RH was conceptualized and executed by the intern team of Khudiram Bose Central College (KBCC) under the guidance of project heads. After their induction on June 12, 2024, the team initially proposed conducting healthcare camps in remote areas but later decided on a city-based health camp due to time constraints and logistical challenges. Recognizing the financial barriers that prevent people from undergoing essential health tests, the team finalized two tests: Diabetes Screening and ABO Blood Grouping.
Event Planning & Execution
- Date & Venue: Initially planned for July 14, 2024, the event was later rescheduled to July 28, 2024, and finalized at Unnayani Club, Belgharia.
- Budget & Funding:
- Estimated cost per person: Rs. 250.00
- Donation amount set: Rs. 30.00 per person
- Funding efforts included online and offline donations, sponsorships, and community collaborations.
Team Structure
- Donation Team: Collected funds through various strategies but lacked online fundraising expertise.
- Sponsorship Team: Approached multiple healthcare organizations but struggled to secure sponsorships.
- Content & Digital Team: Effectively managed online promotions and social media outreach.
- Scouting Team: Faced challenges in securing a venue but eventually finalized Unnayani Club with the help of local contacts.
Key Collaborations
- Healthcare Partner: A diagnostic center signed an MoU on July 23, 2024, agreeing to conduct the tests at a subsidized rate.
- Blood Bank: Chittaranjan National Medical College Blood Bank partnered for blood donations.
- Local Support: Unnayani Club provided logistical arrangements, including electricity, water, and venue setup.
- Medical Support: Dr. Mayukh Samajhpati, a practicing intern from CONJNMH, was onboarded for medical assistance.
Promotion & Outreach
- Door-to-Door Campaign: Conducted on July 25–26, 2024, to encourage local participation.
- Public Announcements: Audio messages were played on local transportation (toto-miking) for four consecutive days.
- Community Engagement: Local leaders and volunteers coordinated efforts to ensure maximum turnout.
Challenges & Learnings
- Funding Issues: The team struggled with sponsorships and relied heavily on donations.
- Venue Delays: Initial venue cancellations caused logistical setbacks.
- Low Turnout: Despite strong pre-event outreach, attendance was lower than expected.
- Team Coordination: Some teams faced communication gaps, affecting overall efficiency.
Impact & Conclusion
Despite obstacles, Project RH successfully conducted free health checkups and blood donation drives, raising awareness about essential medical tests. The initiative highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare and laid the foundation for future health projects by Rigel Foundation. The project also served as a valuable learning experience for the interns, enhancing their leadership, organizational, and fundraising skills.
