The Hinduja Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Mane Medical Foundation & Research Centre—an NGO based in Ahmednagar—has launched a free cancer screening and awareness program targeting underprivileged women in Shirdi and other parts of Maharashtra. This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and aims to provide early detection and timely treatment for breast and cervical cancer at no cost.

The initiative seeks to screen 10,000 women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by December 2025. The inaugural camp was held on June 8 in Rahuri, approximately 60 kilometers from Shirdi, where nearly 350 women were examined. The screening includes Pap smear tests, Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE), and, if required, other basic health tests like haemoglobin, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Women diagnosed with potential symptoms will be offered free treatment at Dr. Mane’s Charitable Cancer Hospital in Rahuri, ensuring accessible care for those who otherwise face financial and geographical challenges. The program not only focuses on medical support but also emphasizes community education, aiming to foster a culture of preventive healthcare.

Dr. Mane Medical Foundation is responsible for the on-ground execution, supported by training programs for community health workers to strengthen local healthcare capacity. Backed by Reliance Life Insurance, the initiative is currently active in Shirdi and will soon expand to other high-risk regions like Osmanabad and Ahilyanagar, further bridging the gap in cancer prevention and care for marginalized communities.