Gram Nirman Urban program gives interns a frontline view of HIV care and community resilience

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital as part of our field exposure visit. The experience offered powerful insights into the challenges faced by PLHIV and HRGs, deepening my understanding of public healthcare realities. One moment that stood out was when a healthcare provider said, ‘We do what we can with what we have—because every patient deserves dignity.’ That simple statement captured the resilience and compassion that define frontline care. This visit strengthened my empathy, adaptability, and professional commitment. I’m truly grateful to be part of a Gram Nirman’s Urban team that leads with purpose, care and support,” shared Shingmipem Rasakhan (Ruth), intern from St. Joseph’s College, Ukhrul at Caritas India.

Four young professionals from Ukhrul, Manipur’s St. Joseph’s College have joined Caritas India as interns to learn more about the organisation and strengthen their skills linked to development. The interns’ brief but productive stay at Caritas India exposed them to organisational management and structure, organisational policies, various disaster risk reduction and development programs, and community rehabilitation projects that Caritas India undertakes.

As part of their educational journey, on October 24, 2025, the students had the eye-opening opportunity to visit Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, one of the city’s leading public hospitals and a key partner of Caritas India’s Gram Nirman Urban component. The Gram Nirman Urban component works in collaboration with hospitals, community leaders, and PLHIV networks to identify and rehabilitate People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in urban areas, focusing on restoring their health, dignity, and social inclusion.

The visit aimed to deepen the interns’ understanding of PLHIV rehabilitation services and the broader public health infrastructure in urban settings. Guided by Caritas India’s field team, the students interacted with healthcare professionals, observed patient care practices, and learned about the hospital’s role in addressing urban health challenges.

Dr. Alpana Raizada, Director and Professor in the Department of Medicine and Nodal Officer, ART Center, UCMS & GTB Hospital, led an informative session at the hospital’s ART Centre, highlighting the importance of regular follow-ups, counselling, and adherence to treatment protocols. The interaction deepened the interns’ understanding of the hospital’s pivotal role in HIV management and community health promotion, as well as the importance of NGO collaboration in bridging service gaps.

During the visit, the interns were introduced to various departments involved in HIV care, including ICTC counselling units, ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) center, and community outreach programs. The experience provided a real-world perspective on the socioeconomic conditions of urban slum dwellers, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Following the hospital visit, the interns met a resilient family affected by HIV, where three of the five members were HIV-positive. Despite challenges, the family demonstrated unity and a strong commitment to preventive care and education. This experience underscored the vital role of family support, compassion, and awareness in improving the lives of PLHIV and preventing transmission.

The exposure visit was part of a larger internship initiative designed to equip social work students with practical knowledge and field experience. Through interactions with patients, medical staff, and social workers, the interns gained valuable insights into the intersection of health, poverty, and rehabilitation.

Through initiatives like the Gram Nirman Urban component, Caritas India continues to bridge academic learning with grassroots realities, demonstrating how partnerships between institutions and communities strengthen health systems while nurturing socially conscious professionals ready to serve with empathy and purpose.