Three Indian doctors Dr. Abhay and Dr. Rani Bang along with Dr. Naveen Thacker were honored with Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers Champions Award for their work in community healthcare which later inspired the ASHA programme.
The couple (Dr. Abhay and Dr. Rani Bang) founded SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health), a public health organization based in Shodhgram, Gadchiroli. The initiative focussed on the effect of community engagement and simple, low-cost interventions on creating lasting health impact.
SEARCH was first founded in Gadchiroli which they identified as the district that needed the most support. Their work is also commended in designing Ma Danteshwari Hospital to resemble a tribal hamlet with huts, a temple, and a ‘ghotul’ waiting space to make people belonging to tribal community feel welcome.
Their collaborative efforts reduced malaria by 60% through bednets, spraying, and medicines.
A study on rural women’s health revealed 92% had untreated gynaecological issues, sparking a shift in global women’s health policies after the 1994 Cairo Summit. Their model inspired WHO, ICMR, and Gates Foundation to support its replication across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and African countries. In India this model has been adopted as Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) since 2005.
Along with them, Dr. Naveen Thacker also received the honour for his work in paedeatrics. He is known for his work in polio eradication and rebuilding hospitals after the earthquake in Gujarat in 2001. He also served as the the Executive Director of Indian Paedeatric Association.
Published – September 27, 2025 01:21 pm IST
