Under Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Bank in association with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) organised an oral cancer screening health camp at Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi – one of the biggest markets in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The five-day free camp, which was held from 27th February to 3rd March 2023, screened over 2,600 shop owners, transporters, daily wagers, raising awareness on oral health and, early detection and prevention of oral cancer.
Identifying local stakeholders as a highly vulnerable group due to the consumption of various forms of tobacco, the initiative focused on APMC which hosts and sees a steady traffic of local workers throughout the day. A team of dental professionals from IDA conducted thorough examinations to detect any signs of oral cancer and also provided advice on oral health.
B.S. Sivakumar, President & Business Head – Agri Business Group and Key Leadership Team member, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We always strive to address health and socio-economic challenges at the grass root level. The Oral Cancer screening initiative is yet another effort to further our CSR initiatives to relevant stakeholders for the Bank while expressing gratitude to the segments that continue to be the lifeline of Indian society at large. Through this CSR initiative, in association with IDA, we want to make healthcare accessible to all stakeholders in the market yards who work hard to ensure the smooth movement of agricultural produce from the farms to our homes.”
Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Hon. Secretary General, Indian Dental Association (IDA) said, “Our vision is to improve oral health and quality of life which is more often ignored or paid negligible attention. We are happy to be associated with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited that is committed to eradicating health diseases such as oral cancer. Through such initiatives, we are able to build awareness about the hazards of tobacco consumption in larger numbers and especially among highly vulnerable groups in society such as local workers and daily wagers.”
Kotak Karma is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity of the Kotak Mahindra Group. KMBL implements its CSR projects on healthcare including but not limited to improving access to healthcare facilities by providing ambulances, critical care ambulances, mobile health units etc. either directly and/or through implementing partner organizations working in the healthcare and sanitation space.
