Ford's Sustainable Urban Mobility with Uncompromised Rural Research (SUMURR) program just ended a nine-month pilot program that helped 41 pregnant women "overcome' geographical and technological barriers that would have prevented them from receiving the proper health care according to a company press release.
Click here to read more about the SUMURR program.
Women like Mageswari, 19, who lives in Kodamaathi, a tiny village in India, was able to make it to the hospital in just enough time to give birth thanks to the SUMURR program.
"If not for Ford Endeavour, I might have tried to reach the hospital in a two-wheeler," Mageswari said according to the press release. "I do not know what might have happened."
The area of Kalvarayan Hills has a higher infant and maternity mortality rate compared with other nearby areas, which was the main reason Ford decided to get involved.
Mageswari story is just one example of the problems women face there, and SUMURR workers were prepared to help women no matter what the circumstance according t David Berdish, manager of Social Sustainability
"Ford views accessibility to a better life as a fundamental human right, so being able to successfully help women and children in parts of rural India obtain health care is a perfect fit for what we're trying to do as a company from an overall sustainable approach," said Berdish according to Ford.
Berdish also stated that similar efforts are being considered for other locations and regions around the world, especially in rural India, like Gujarat, India where Ford has a production plant. Locations in China and Brazil have also been discussed.
"Ford Motor Company is not in the business of telemedicine, but between the vehicle and the technology we provide, we can make it better," says Berdish.
The program began in June 2012 and ended lat month according to Ford. While "facilitating safe childbirth" for woman with high-risk pregnancies was a top priority, the initiative also led to 27 temporary pediatric and gynecology camps being set up in nearby villages. This allowed 1,600 women and children to receive proper health care and screenings for basic illnesses and immunizations.
"SUMURR exemplifies how Ford is using its global reach to address regional issues and causes around the world and at the same time identify local social and technology entrepreneurs who we can partner with to further develop the kind of solutions that will shape our future," said K. Venkatesh Prasad. "The fundamental aspects of what we did in rural India could very much wind up in the driveways of Detroit."
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