Case Story: Compassion Without Borders

In Nandurbar’s scattered villages, reaching specialized palliative care is never simple. The terrain is rugged, connectivity unreliable, and families often live far from health facilities. For patients coping with disability or chronic illness, these barriers can make even basic follow-ups feel out of reach. Yet, with the right use of technology and community support, care finds a way.

On 26 February 2026, Team Sukoon Nilaya Mumbai helped arrange a teleconsultation with Dr. Nutan Korgaonkar, Audiologist and Speech Therapist, for Shivlal Pawara (58) of Dhanaje BK, Nandurbar. Mr. Pawara suffered a stroke five years ago and continues to live with paralysis on his left side. His immediate struggles, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech, had led to loss of appetite and rising blood sugar levels.

That morning, Team KESVF’s nurse Dasharath arrived early to prepare. He checked vitals, ensured Shivlal’s daughter (a nursing student) was present, and tested the internet. Inside the house, lighting and network access were poor. Without hesitation, Dasharath moved the consultation to a neighbour’s courtyard where Wi-Fi was available, ensuring the session could proceed smoothly.

During the call, Dr. Nutan asked careful questions, observed Shivlal drinking water, and identified choking episodes. She demonstrated three exercises to ease swallowing and improve speech, guiding Shivlal to perform them live. Her advice was clear: ten repetitions every two hours under supervision. She also showed the correct way to drink water, making the guidance practical and immediately usable.

To ensure continuity, Dr. Nutan proposed weekly follow-ups. Dasharath committed to training the caregiver, sharing a WhatsApp recording of the session, and sending videos of Shivlal practicing the exercises. With regular practice, Dr. Nutan emphasized, improvement in swallowing could be expected within a fortnight, while progress in speech may take considerably longer.Care finds its way to families in the remotest corners when communities, caregivers, and technology join hands