Pratiksha Jhaver Foundation Distributes Nutritional Support to Pregnant Women in Shahapur Tribal Villages

Shahapur, Thane | October 10, 2026

The Pratiksha Jhaver Foundation, in collaboration with Gramin Vibhag Medical Seva Sanstha, has been providing nutritional support and medical check-ups to pregnant women in tribal villages of Shahapur Taluka in Maharashtra's Thane district, according to information shared by the organisers.

The initiative includes regular health examinations and the distribution of dry-fruit packets. The organisations report that 2,015 packets were distributed among 205 pregnant women over four months, from July to October 2026.

Each packet reportedly contained cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins and roasted gram as supplementary nutritional items.

Distribution Programme at Washala

A distribution programme was organised on October 10 at Washala, under the Kasara Primary Health Centre in Shahapur Taluka. According to the organisers, 75 pregnant women from Washala, Veluk, Patol, Susarwadi, Telampada, Dhakne, Kothala, Kalbhonda, Fugala and neighbouring villages received dry-fruit packets.

Those listed as attending the programme included Dr. Madhav Waghmare, president of Gramin Vibhag Medical Seva Sanstha; Dr. Chandrashekhar Chawan, founder of Shekhar Eye Research in Thane; Ashokrao Kardak, Police Patil and organisation member; gynaecologist Dr. Dattatray Dharane; paediatrician Dr. Hemant Katkar; and Prathamesh, a representative of the Pratiksha Jhaver Foundation.

Free Eye Examinations and Spectacles

According to the organisers, Dr. Chandrashekhar Chawan conducted free eye examinations for women and children attending the programme. A total of 27 pairs of spectacles were reportedly distributed free of cost.

The eye-care activity formed an additional component of the programme, alongside the nutritional support and general healthcare services described by the organisers.

Screening for Child Malnutrition

Paediatrician Dr. Hemant Katkar reportedly examined 15 children for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and provided medical care as required. Further details about the screening outcomes and follow-up arrangements were not included in the information provided.

Healthcare Support in Tribal Communities

The initiative brings together charitable organisations and healthcare professionals to provide services to families in remote villages. Regular antenatal check-ups, nutritional support, child health screening and access to vision care are among the activities described by the organisers.

Such services may complement existing public healthcare programmes. However, evidence of any reduction in maternal or infant mortality would require separate health outcome data and cannot be established solely from the reported distribution and screening figures.

This report is based on information provided by the organisers. The reported figures, medical activities and participant details should be confirmed before publication.