This project strengthens Neonatal and Paediatric Diagnostics for Hemoglobinopathies at Rajiv Gandhi Medical College and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital (RGMC & CSMH), Thane
Hemoglobinopathies like Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Thalassemia, common in India, with over 2,451 cases of thalassemia major in Mumbai and Thane, with 37% children affected, and carrier prevalence in slums and migrant tribal areas. In 2024, 7.8% of antenatal women in Thane had hemoglobinopathies, yet nearly 40% lacked follow-up counselling. Many public hospitals lack diagnostic tools like Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) and HPLC, delaying diagnosis until after severe complications. Early detection with CE/HPLC prevents deaths and hospitalisations, facilitates early intervention, and supports health programs and genetic counselling. Enhancing diagnostic capacity is crucial for better health outcomes and reducing transmission.
Navi Mumbai has been experiencing rapid population growth, facing an increasing cancer burden, but it lacks specialised infrastructure for treatment. As a result, many patients have had to travel long distances to Mumbai for diagnosis, chemotherapy, and follow-up appointments, which adds financial and emotional stress.
To address this, a well-established OPD was also developed to provide dedicated cancer screening and testing services, ensuring early diagnosis and timely medical intervention. Along with consultations and diagnostic tests, the OPD played a crucial role in patient education and counselling, raising awareness about cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The 10-bed chemotherapy ward was equipped with advanced treatment facilities, enabling timely access to chemotherapy, reducing waiting times, and enhancing patient experiences. A cancer registry was also developed as part of the initiative to monitor patient data, improve treatment planning, and support research on cancer trends in Navi Mumbai.
These efforts collectively aim to reduce late-stage diagnoses, ensure timely medical intervention, and improve survival rates.
Delays in treatment due to outsourced microbiology tests and challenges in maintaining infection control standards were key issues in NMMC hospitals. To address these concerns, a state-of-the-art microbiology laboratory was newly established at Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray Hospital, Nerul. This facility enhanced diagnostic capabilities, ensuring timely and accurate detection of infections.
Advanced diagnostic tools, including PCR machines and automated analysers, were installed to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. The in-house facility enabled quicker test results, reducing delays in treatment initiation and improving patient outcomes. Infection control measures in critical areas like operating theatres and NICUs were strengthened through regular microbial testing.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of rapid diagnostics, revealing gaps in existing infrastructure. With this new laboratory, NMMC hospitals became better equipped to handle infectious diseases, control outbreaks, and provide high-quality healthcare services to the community.
PRIDE India is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1982. We work with communities to help them become self-reliant.
Plot No.SF-9,G Block, Next To American School Of Bombay, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400098 Maharashtra
PRIDE India is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1982. We work with communities to help them become self-reliant.
Plot No.SF-9,G Block, Next To American School Of Bombay, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400098 Maharashtra
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Chief Operating Officer
Anand brings over two decades of cross-sector leadership across government, corporate, and social impact organisations. He specialises in turning strategy into clear, disciplined execution, having successfully managed a large portfolio, strengthened organisational governance, and scaled initiatives that deliver lasting community impact. Anand holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management and is deeply committed to building institutions that endure.
Head: Finance and Accountants
Sachin Shashikant Khot, B.Com, PGDFM, has extensive experience in Finance, Accounts, HR & Administration. Over his 2-decade career, he has worked with well-known names in the development sector. As Finance Manager-Asia Pacific, he has played a key role in expanding CIMA's presence in India by establishing new offices across multiple locations. A dynamic leader, he believes in inspiring others & achieving success through teamwork.
Regional Head Konkan
Dr Virendra V. Kulkarni completed his Doctorate in Agricultural Extension and joined PRIDE INDIA soon after, as a Research Associate in 1991. He worked closely with the late Founder in the early years, and his strong commitment to working with the community, coupled with his expertise and leadership skills, helped him advance to a senior level within the organisation. As Regional Head, he is currently in charge of the Integrated Rural Development Programme at Mahad and is involved in the close monitoring of programmes and in ensuring positive, impactful change in the community.
Regional Head Marathwada
With an extraordinary 35 years of unwavering dedication to the social development sector, he holds a Master of Science in Agri-Human Resource Development (M.Sc. HRD) and a Master of Social Work (MSW). For more than three and a half decades and closely collaborating with the organisation’s late Founder to lead numerous transformative initiatives. Currently, he provides dynamic and compassionate leadership to the health programmes at Sastur. He oversees the hospital’s round-the-clock operations and extensive outreach to remote villages as well as integrated programmes in livelihood enhancement, sustainable agriculture, health education and community empowerment. Under his visionary guidance, SPARSH has become a trusted symbol of excellence, delivering high-quality maternal and child health services, infectious disease management, nutrition support, and lifelong care for children living with HIV, and has been awarded prestigious prizes and state recognitions every year.
His profound passion for social service and rural development remains the driving force behind PRIDE India’s mission to deliver accessible healthcare to the most vulnerable communities across the Marathwada region.
Vice President
Senior Program Manager- Implementation
Vasant More is an experienced development professional with an impressive career spanning over 35 years. He has been dedicated to driving impactful programs since 1991. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Master of Social Work (MSW), combining strong financial understanding with deep social-sector expertise. This unique academic background has enabled him to effectively design and implement community-focused initiatives. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in planning, executing, and monitoring large-scale development programs, drawing on a grassroots-level understanding that has contributed significantly to organisational growth and community empowerment. He is committed to leveraging his vast experience to support organisational excellence and drive transformative change in the communities served
Senior Program Manager- Program Development
With a Master’s degree in Social Work, he has become a driving force in strategic project planning and research-driven programme assessment, and he is deeply committed to rural development. His journey began at a leading multinational company, where he led CSR initiatives that transformed the lives of tribal communities. Now, as the Senior Manager, he leads strategic planning, implementation, proposal development, and fundraising efforts, while building strong, national and universal policy-aligned programs designed for scale and measurable impact. He plays a key role in transforming ideas into structured, unique models and ensuring their successful execution across diverse geographies. He operates at the intersection of vision and execution, aligning community aspirations, institutional priorities, and evolving development landscapes to create future-ready solutions
Program Manager- School Project
Preethi Mutta holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Postgraduate Diplomas in Clinical Psychology and in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations. She brings over 18 years of extensive experience across health, education, and community development programmes.
She has also represented these organisations at national and international conferences, where she has presented programme work and research papers. Her core expertise lies in programme design, implementation, management, and monitoring & evaluation, ensuring effective delivery and measurable impact of development interventions. Since 2024, Preeti has been managing the Integrated School Projects for PRIDE India and is committed to improving educational outcomes for children from underserved communities.
Executive Director, Tata Investment Corporation Ltd
Mr. Amit Dalal has obtained his MBA from the University of Massachusetts, USA. He is the Executive Director of Tata Investment Corporation Ltd. for a decade and a Director on the Board of various companies. He is also the Promoter of Amit Nalin Securities Pvt. Ltd. and has been the Managing Director of this firm before joining Tata’s.
Currently, he is also a Trustee of Tavescor Charitable Trust and Motigauri Charitable Trust.
We are proud to share that The PRIDE India’s SPARSH Rural Hospital has been awarded the prestigious 1st Rank State-Level Kayakalp Award with a prize of ₹15 lakhs, and the 1st Rank in the Eco-Friendly Practices Category with an additional ₹5 lakhs.
With a near-perfect score of 99.86 in Kayakalp and 99.52 in Eco-Friendly Practices, the hospital continues to deliver high-quality, hygienic, and sustainable healthcare services—benefiting thousands of rural patients every year.
Our eco-friendly efforts—including a strong water management system, solar power integration, awareness-building, and a ban on non-recyclable non-medical items—have set a benchmark for green healthcare in rural Maharashtra.
After securing second rank in previous years, SPARSH Rural Hospital proudly takes 1st place for 2024–25, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and sustainability in rural health.
This recognition was announced today by the Government of Maharashtra
SPARSH Hospital Honored for Excellence in Rural Healthcare!
The award was presented on World Health Day by Maharashtra’s esteemed leaders.
Smt. Isha Mehra and Mr. Ramakant Joshi proudly accepted the honor.
A proud moment celebrating our commitment to safe motherhood and rural healthcare!
We are thrilled to announce that The PRIDE India has been awarded the “Best NGO in Rural Development” – 2023 at The Indian CSR Awards by Brand Honchos, held on 7th October 2023 at Hyatt Centric, New Delhi. This incredible honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support of our valued partners, donors, and supporters.
Managing Trustee & President
Business – Haveli
Ms. Isha Mehra completed her Graduation in History and Sociology from Sophia College, Mumbai and went on to pursue her passion for fashion and designing soon after. Working as an entrepreneur in the fashion world for more than three decades she is a well known name in the industry.
Walking on the footsteps of her mother, late Mrs. Vipula Kadri, Isha has worked tirelessly for PRIDE India since 2007. She is a visionary and her zeal to make a change in the community we serve has taken the organization to greater heights. Under her able leadership PRIDE India has won several awards from Government of Maharashtra such as Anadibai Joshi Gaurav Puraskar, Kayakalp Awards etc.
Secretary
Chairperson, Centre for Development of Corporate Citizenship (DOCC), S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research
Chairperson – Center for Development of Corporate Citizenship, S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
Ms. Nirja Matto is a development professional with 25+ years of experience in implementing projects, focusing on issues related to HIV/Aids, Women’s Empowerment, Education, Health, and Corporate social responsibility. She has worked with national and international NGOs in different capacities.
Ms. Matto is currently the Chairperson for the Center for Development of Corporate Citizenship, S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai. The Center was established with an objective of sensitizing MBA students with the values of social responsibilities and providing management inputs to the social sector. She is a Masters in Social Sciences from University of Mumbai.
Vice President
Director, Kadri Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and Partner, I. M. Kadri Architects
Mr. Rahul Kadri is Principal Architect & Partner at I.M. Kadri Architects.
After graduating with a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, he assumed directorship of Kadri Consultants Pvt. Ltd in 1995. Since then he has designed and executed several architecture and town planning projects under his leadership.
Significant works include townships for TATA’S, Jindals & Reliance and college campuses for Symbiosis and the Supreme Court Of India.
Advocate, High Court
Ms. Rekha Rajagopal is an Advocate at High Court. She appears as the Advocate on Record as well as a Counsel for various private and public companies. She also owns and manages a long-established legal firm. Apart from Save The Children India, she is affiliated to Maharashtra State Council for Women and Indian Law Institute.
Funds Manager, Yogesh Mehra Associates
Mr. Yogesh Mehra is a Chartered Accountant and holds the post of a Funds Manager at Yogesh Mehra Associates. He completed his education from reputed institutes such as Institutes of Chartered Accountants of India, Sydenham and H.R. Colleges of Commerce. He enjoys reading, travel and sports.
Chief Patron
Founder and Chairperson, IM Kadri Consultants
Mr. I.M. Kadri is a Partner and Principal Architect at I. M. Kadri Architects. Mr. I.M. Kadri holds a B.E. (Civil) degree. In 1960, he established this architecture firm and has been successfully running it ever since. His is a distinguished name in the architecture fraternity owing to his successful career spanning over 5 decades! His name features in the Guinness Book of Records for creating the world's highest stained glass mural (135 feet) at the Ramada Hotel, Dubai.
Treasurer
Dr Gajanan D. Velhal is a renowned academician, researcher, and public health expert and has served as a Professor and Head of Community Medicine at leading institutions, including Seth G.S. Medical College & KEM Hospital in Mumbai. He brings over four decades of distinguished experience spanning epidemiology, nutrition, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthening health systems.
Now, the Treasurer has been associated with PRIDE India since 1987, playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s healthcare initiatives through technical guidance, programme evaluation, and strategic support.
SPARSH Hospital Honored for Excellence in Rural Healthcare! The award was presented on World Health Day by Maharashtra’s esteemed leaders. Smt. Isha Mehra and Mr. Ramakant Joshi proudly accepted the honor.
Five consecutive years, SPARSH received the State level ‘Kayakalp Award’ for high level cleanliness, hygiene and infection control practices
SPARSH received ‘Marathwada Bhushan Award’ for best health sevices to rural communities by the Lok Seva committee of Marathwada
SPARSH Rural Hospital received ‘State level Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Gavrav Award’ for the Best Services in Mother and Child by the Ministry of Women & Child Welfare, Govt of Maharashtra
We are thrilled to announce that The PRIDE India has been awarded the “Best NGO in Rural Development” – 2023 at The Indian CSR Awards by Brand Honchos, held on 7th October 2023 at Hyatt Centric, New Delhi. This incredible honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support of our valued partners, donors, and supporters.
