Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Nana Patekar Helped Widows of 500 Farmers Access Healthcare
Nana Patekar wanted to help families whose farmers had died by suicide.
In 2016–17, he suggested giving health cards to the farmers’ wives.
His NAAM Foundation helped distribute cards to nearly 500 women in Marathwada.
The cards let the women get medical care without paying at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
The hospital provided this free care for nearly five years.
MGM University also helped by giving free education to students from these families.
Dr Rekha Shelke recalled Patekar’s work with the university and foundation.
Nana Patekar proposed Aarogya cards in 2016–17 for wives of farmers who died by suicide in Marathwada.
The NAAM Foundation distributed cards to nearly 500 women, according to MGM University official Dr Rekha Shelke.
The cards enabled beneficiaries to receive free medical treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
MGM Hospital provided the women with free treatment for nearly five years.
MGM University also offered free education to students from families of farmers who died by suicide.
- Who
- Nana Patekar, the NAAM Foundation, MGM University and nearly 500 widows of farmers who died by suicide.
- What
- Aarogya cards provided access to free hospital treatment; MGM University also offered free education to students from affected families.
- When
- The card idea was proposed in 2016–17; free treatment continued for nearly five years.
- Where
- The Marathwada region of Maharashtra, with treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
- Why
- To support the health and future of families of farmers who died by suicide.
- Aarogya card initiative
- Proposed by Nana Patekar in 2016–17.
- Beneficiaries
- Nearly 500 wives of farmers who died by suicide.
- Implementing organization
- The NAAM Foundation, founded by Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure.
- Medical provider
- Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, on the MGM campus.
- Treatment period
- MGM Hospital provided free treatment for nearly five years.
- Education support
- MGM University provided free education to students from affected families.
- Region
- Marathwada, Maharashtra.