Born: 17th September 1951

M.B.B.S., Nagpur University, 1972, M.D. (Gynaecology), Gold Medallist M.P.H., Johns Hopkins University, U.S.A., 1984

Along with husband, Dr. Abhay Bang, dedicated to the social and educational uplift of the tribal people of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra.

On return to India from USA, set up a grassroots health organization SEARCH (Society for Education, Action & Research in Community Health) in 1986. Based on the research and their own interactions, they set up Shodh-gram, 17 kms from Gadchiroli. It is modeled on a typical Gond tribal village, with a tribal-friendly hospital. The tribal ambience was created to make the tribals feel at home. The campus has a training center, a research center, an alcohol de-¬addiction center, a pharmacy, quarters for the staff, a prayer-cum-meeting hall, and a kitchen¬ cum-dining hall and quarters for visitors.

The entire movement initiated by this couple is a fulfillment of the concept of Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of evolutionary revolution. A large number of rural Dais in 60 villages has become barefoot doctors to help and treat thousands of uncared-for rural women.

Have conducted pioneering research in high prevalence of gynaecological problems in rural women, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS control, child mortality, acute respiratory infections in children etc. The new approach by SEARCH has been accepted worldwide as an effective way to reduce child mortality.

SEARCH has received the MacArthur Foundation International Award for creative and social work; the "Maharashtra Bhushan" for its work among the tribals; "Seshadri Gold Medal" for outstanding contribution to the field of community medicine in India. In 2005, the TIME magazine included the couple in its list of 18 "Global Health Heros".

Director SEARCH
Gadchiroli,
(Maharashtra) – 442 605.
Tel: 91 - 7138255407
Fax: 91 - 7138255411
E-mail: search@satyam.net.in