Local Dentist Returns from Volunteer Dental Service in Hemalkasa, India
When asked to sum up why he returned to Hemalkasa, India for a third time as a volunteer dentist in the jungles of Central India, Michael Murrell, D.D.S, quotes American writer Frederick Buechner, "The more you make, the more you have. The more you give, the more you are." Dr. Murrell, who practices family dentistry at the Dental Clinic of Marshfield, provided emergency and general dental care at Lok Biradari Prakalp from March 26 - April 4, 2009.
Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP), which translates to The People's Brotherhood, serves the Madia-Gond tribal people living in the dense forests of Central India. LBP was founded by social worker Baba Amte in 1973 to help preserve the people and culture of the Madia-Gond tribes who were being decimated by disease and modern development. LBP includes a hospital, dental clinic, and school and wildlife preservation facilities. Since 1974, LBP has been run by Baba's younger son Dr. Prakash Amte and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte. Notes Dr. Murrell, "I have come to know Drs. Mandakini and Prakash Amte on a first name basis. They have given their life to LBP and are a shining example of service beyond self. They are a major inspiration in my life." Drs. Mandakini and Prakash Amte were awarded India's prestigious Magsaysay award in 2008 - the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Amte's are so highly respected that the Madia will bypass other state-run clinics and travel up to 60 miles, a journey that takes 3 - 4 days by foot, to obtain treatment at LBP.
The hospital at LBP has a two-room dental clinic adjoining it in the midst of the dense forests. These buildings are located within the forest to ensure that tribal members feel comfortable in their surroundings. "The Madia-Gond did not have clothing nor receive an education or medical and dental care until LBP was established," explains Murrell. "Exploitation by encroaching civilization only compounded existing problems including high infant mortality, malnutrition and a dismal life expectancy. Through LBP education, medical care and agricultural training the Madias now have a chance."
According to Murrell, the LBP dental clinic had technology equivalent to that found in the U.S. during the 1960s. "Historically, the only dental treatment was for relief of pain - most often tooth extraction. We've gradually added endodontic restorative and preventative services for LBP students, staff and tribals." To assist the clinic, Dr. Murrell brings a suitcase filled with dental supplies and purchases additional equipment in Nagpur on each trip he makes to Hemalkasa. Donations and grants from individuals, Rotary International, Marshfield Sunrise Rotary and the Dental Clinic of Marshfield have enabled significant equipment upgrades.
Murrell also notes that dental interns from Indian dental schools have begun to work with volunteer dentists at LBP. "This is a wonderful collaborative effort - a win-win situation for everyone - because interns get expanded clinical training, dentists get assistance and a knowledgeable translator, and patients get much-needed dental care."
"I return with incredible memories and a wonderful sense of fulfillment. My Madia patients are incredibly respectful, stoic and thankful - they touch my feet following treatment, which is the ultimate sign of respect in India. I am so very honored to help them. I have met and now count as friends some of the most dedicated humanitarians on the face of the earth. I return to Marshfield with a wider world view - and that view is hopeful," he continues. Then he closes with another quote - this from poet T.S. Eliot, "The journey, not the arrival, matters." In December, Dr. Murrell will bring his daughter Sarah, herself a dental student, on this unique journey to Hemalkasa.
Funding for LBP is an ongoing challenge and all medical and dental treatment is provided to 45,000 patients each year free of charge. For those interested in providing donations, email lbp@sancharnet.in or contact Dr. Murrell at (715) 387-1702 for further information.
