Youth Leadership in Action: Serving the Underserved Through Medical Camps and Education Support

Sriram Vempati, a Youth Director at the California-based nonprofit Suvidha International Foundation and a compassionate junior high school student from Granite Bay High School in California, organized two medical camps in India to serve underserved families and gain a deeper understanding of real-world healthcare challenges. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible healthcare, Sriram collaborated with Suvidha Vikas Trust, Suvidha International Foundation, Chetana Foundation, and a dedicated team of doctors to successfully carry out these camps.

In addition to organizing the camps, Sriram raised $10,000 through his campaign (https://suvidhainternational.org/future-doctors) to support the medical programs and help two underserved medical students continue their education. He reached out to family, friends, and community members to raise donations, enabling the camps to provide free checkups and medicines to hundreds of people. Part of the funds was also used to support two financially struggling medical students so they could complete their studies and become doctors. By supporting both current patients and future doctors, Sriram made a meaningful and lasting impact.

The first medical camp was conducted at Annam Seva Foundation on Wednesday, February 18th 2026. The foundation provides shelter and care to over 225 residents, including individuals facing mental health and physical disabilities, along with psychiatric conditions, as well as abandoned elderly men and women. Many of these residents lack consistent access to specialized medical care, preventive screenings, and follow up treatment. A committed team from the Psychiatry Department at Mamatha Medical College in Khammam, including Dr. Pramod Kumar Reddy, Dr. Divya Reddy, Dr. Jithendra, Dr. Preity, Dr. Pranathi, Dr. Sirkar, and Dr. Rahul, supported the camp with their services.

The medical team conducted comprehensive health checkups for all 225 residents, many of whom face significant psychiatric challenges and require ongoing care, monitoring, and support.The doctors carefully evaluated each individual, diagnosed health concerns, and prescribed appropriate medications. For a population that is often overlooked and marginalized, this camp provided not only medical treatment but also dignity, compassion, and personalized care.

The second medical camp was organized at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Telangana Backward Classes Welfare Residential Junior College (MJPTBCW Residential Junior College) in Khammam on Thursday, February 19th. The college serves more than 300 students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Access to quality healthcare, especially specialist services, is often limited for these students. This camp brought together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including gynecologist Dr. Joshna, gastroenterologist Dr. Bharavi, and general physician Dr. Ram Prasad.

The doctors conducted health awareness sessions covering preventive care, nutrition, hygiene, and women’s health, which are critically important yet frequently under addressed in underserved communities. Following the awareness session, the team provided individual medical consultations to more than 200 students and staff members. Those diagnosed with medical conditions received a three-month supply of prescription medications, ensuring continuity of care beyond the camp day.

At Annam Seva Foundation, the management and residents expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. Annam Srinivasa Rao, the foundation president, sincerely thanked Sriram Vempati, Bhaskar Vempati, the Indian volunteer team, and the doctors from Mamatha Medical College for bringing much needed healthcare services directly to their residents. He noted that many residents, especially abandoned senior citizens and individuals with mental and physical challenges, rarely have access to specialized care. The MJPTBCW Residential Junior College Principal, Nagamani, also thanked Sriram, the Indian volunteer team, and the doctors for selecting their institution for the medical camp and appreciated their dedicated efforts in serving the students.

Annam Srinivasa Rao, Nagamani, Amaraneni Manmadhara Rao, Ravikumar Vemsani, doctors and other local camp organizers sincerely appreciated Sriram’s leadership and compassion in organizing the medical camps. They praised his dedication to serving underserved communities at a young age and wished him great success in his academic journey and future medical career. They expressed confidence that his empathy and commitment will help him become a caring and impactful physician.

Through these initiatives, Sriram not only gained meaningful exposure to the medical field but also helped deliver essential healthcare services to more than 400 individuals. His efforts addressed significant gaps in access to medical care for marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, abandoned senior citizens, and economically underprivileged students. These camps reflect his deep commitment to healthcare equity and his aspiration to become a physician dedicated to serving communities in need.

During the second medical camp, Suvidha International Foundation expanded its support by donating four laptops to MJPTBCW Residential Degree College (a neighboring college of the Residential Junior College), strengthening students’ access to technology and digital learning resources. This contribution is expected to enhance academic work, research, and skill development opportunities for students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.

In addition, Suvidha International Foundation has partnered with an undergraduate team (the Project Rishi team) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to further support student growth and career readiness. As part of this collaboration, the foundation is helping organize resume-building workshops and soft skills development sessions to better prepare students for higher education and employment opportunities. Looking ahead, there are plans to introduce advanced training programs in Generative AI, Power BI, and cybersecurity, equipping students with in-demand technical skills and improving their readiness for today’s competitive job market.

The school staff expressed their sincere appreciation to Suvidha International Foundation and the Project Rishi team from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for their continued support and meaningful contributions toward student development.