Pimpri: Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation, Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat and Aditya Homoeopathy Hospital in Pimprigaon have launched a free medical treatment scheme for autorickshaw drivers.

The scheme was inaugurated at a function held at Narayan Meghaji Lokhande Kamgar Bhavan in Pimpri on Monday. In attendance were homoeopathy experts Dr Amarsinha Nikam and Dr Manish Nikam, Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat president Baba Kamble, the Panchayat’s State Vice President Tanaji Masalkar, Arogya Sena State President Varsha Gupte, Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation group leader Asha Kamble, President BR Madgulkar, Dr Faiji Dalal, Adhyapak Sabha and Ramchandra Jadhav.

Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat’s Pune district Vice President Pandurang Jagtap and Pune city unit Working President Rafiq Shaikh were felicitated on the occasion.

Govind Gholve, Sakal Media Group’s Executive Editor (Political), who was also present on the occasion, said that the Sakal Media Group has always supported social projects. Dr Amarsinha Nikam said that the permanent free medical treatment centre has been opened to help autorickshaw drivers as they cannot bear high expenses related to major illnesses. He said that efforts would be made to extend the scope of the scheme outside the city to all parts of the State.

Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat President Baba Kamble said that the Panchayat has sought the introduction of insurance and pension schemes for autorickshaw drivers. The local municipal corporation should also earmark some funds for welfare schemes for automen, he added.

Balasaheb Dumbare compered while ‘Sakal’ reporter Omprakash Latpate proposed a vote of thanks.