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<-- A session at Herbal Center (Click on the image to enlarge it)

Chakia (Chandauli), March 7:- For over 4 years, Geeta of Leva village has lived with a curse. She could not become a mother. But thanks to 'Sanjivani didi's' treatment, she will soon deliver a child. Rajjo, who had a stone in her kidney, too happy as the didi's medicine did the trick when no allopathic medicine could.

The Sanjeevani didi is no magician or a medico. She is an active member of Nari Sanjeevani Kendra, which has changed the lives of the women in several villages of the Chakia and Sevapuri block in Chandausi district.

A herbal medical centre, which has been treating women for their problems through herbal medicines from the past 2 years, the Nari Sanjeevani Kendra (NSK) has become a part of every woman's life in this district adjoining Varanasi. Says Indu, one of the workers of NSK, "We have treated women for problems like menstrual problems, gastric and digestive problems, stones, arthritis and also infertility. Recently, we also prepared medicines for birth control, which is being administered quite successfully."

A session at Herbal Center (Click on the image to enlarge it) -->

The NSK at village Leva is being handled by a group of five rural women from the village, Champa, Sukha, Seema, Indu and Rita. Says Rita, "Our village is quite backward and the nearest hospital too is miles away. There was no proper female doctor or nurse to whom we could reveal our problems. The NSK has really helped us a lot as the women out here are trained by NGOs and are a part of the rural folk only. Often women who come here have undergone allopathic treatment but without any results. Some cannot even afford it. They all feel comfortable telling us about their problems and so far, all our medicines have been quite effective."

The medicines, which are made at this centre, are quite effective and inexpensive too. "We use herbs like Lathjeera, harar, baheda, amla, the bark of peepal and jamun tree, turmeric and similar things, which do not have any side effects. Our dosages are usually of one to two weeks and after that, we have follow up dosages to cure the problem completely. And we have often treated men too, who come here alongwith their wives," says Indu.

Sukha, who joined the centre after being treated herself, says, "Hum to dawa se bahut darte the, par jab aapan ilaaj kari hai, tab accha laga. Hum ab Sanjeevani se jud hi gayil hain." The group and the centre were formed by Mahila Samakhya, a NGO, which is working with these women. It helped them in getting extensive training about using herbs for making medicines and also to buy the herbs. Says Meenakshi, the resource person, "We are happy that these women have finally managed to find a cure of all their problems. They can come here without any apprehensions and go back with a smile on their faces."

For others, this may just be another step towards empowerment. But for the women here, it's their very own 'Sanjeevani' (life saver).

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