Dr. Vinoth Kumar shares his heartfelt experiences after one year of delivering healthcare to tribal communities in partnership with ASSCOD. From traveling to 15 villages monthly to treating over 50 patients per camp, his journey has been one of purpose, learning, and transformation. Read more about how this experience shaped his career—and his life.
” Over the past year, it has been both an honour and a privilege to work with ASSCOD in bringing healthcare to the tribal communities of Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts. This journey has been deeply personal, transformative, and humbling.” says Dr.Vinothkumar
Walking the Villages, One Camp at a Time
“Each month, I travelled across 15 remote villages, visiting an average of 50 patients per camp. Every village came with its unique set of challenges—some lacked basic roads, others were cut off from public transport. But in every village, I found something far more powerful: a deep sense of purpose and trust.
These communities, despite being isolated from even the most basic infrastructure, welcomed us with open arms and hearts. In many homes, I’ve seen how a simple consultation, a timely diagnosis, or even a few kind words can bring immense relief—not just to the patient, but to the entire family.”
The True Challenge: Inaccessibility
“What we witness in these communities is not just the burden of illness—but the burden of inaccessibility. Many of the conditions we treat are preventable or manageable with early intervention. But the absence of consistent healthcare access turns simple health issues into life-altering crises.
That’s where our work becomes truly meaningful. We are not only offering treatment—we are restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and slowly, but surely, bridging the gap between rural realities and healthcare access.”
Lessons from the Field
“This past year has not only deepened my commitment to public health but also taught me lessons I could never have learned in a hospital. I’ve learned resilience from elderly women who walk for kilometers to reach the camp. I’ve learned patience from mothers waiting in line with their children. And I’ve felt gratitude in every smile we receive after a successful intervention.”
Medicine Beyond Clinics
“Being a part of ASSCOD’s mission has reaffirmed my belief that medicine is not confined to clinics and hospitals. It lives in the dusty roads, the temporary tents, the warm handshakes, and the whispered thank-yous of rural India.”
A Note of Gratitude
“I extend my deepest appreciation to the entire ASSCOD team for their relentless dedication, to every volunteer and partner who makes these camps possible, and most importantly, to the people of the villages we serve—for their courage, their stories, and their trust in us.
This journey is far from over. But I can say with certainty that it has shaped me—not just as a doctor, but as a person. And for that, I am truly grateful.”
A Special Congratulations
Now, as Dr. Vinoth Kumar has successfully completed his MD in Community Medicine, we at ASSCOD extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his future. May his journey in public health continue to impact lives and inspire many more.
Thank you, Dr. Vinoth, for being a beacon of hope in every village we served together.