Pune, 14 July 2025: A five-month pregnant woman walked into the PMC’s Pruthak Barate Hospital in Warje, Pune, not just for a medical checkup, but seeking refuge from a life of violence. Despite completing her examination, she refused to leave the hospital. With tears in her eyes and bruises on her spirit, she pleaded to stay, saying she’d do any work if allowed to remain there.
Her husband was abusive, often hitting her under the influence of alcohol, and her in-laws added to the torment. With no parents or relatives to turn to, the hospital seemed like her last hope.
The woman, identified as Smita (name changed), a 25-year-old resident of Ramnagar in Warje, came to the hospital for a checkup two weeks ago. She had difficulty hearing and speaking, but her pain was unmistakable. Despite the trauma, she carried another life inside her, the unborn child. Dr. Pranali Vetal, a medical officer at the hospital, noticed her mental and emotional distress.
Not only did she offer her medical help and a free sonography despite the woman having no money, but also tried to connect with her emotionally to understand her situation. Though the sonography report was normal, Smita remained anxious, unwilling to return home.
Understanding that she needed more than just medical aid, Dr. Vetal and the hospital staff began looking for rehabilitation options. They found the contact of the Maher Foundation, a shelter for destitute women, and reached out.
The organization agreed to accept her and asked for a formal referral letter. Smita was relieved at the possibility of a safe place. However, due to logistical issues with the ambulance, she had to be taken there the next day. She returned home that evening, only to be beaten again and thrown out. This time, she packed her bag and left, determined never to go back.
The next day, accompanied by an ASHA worker and a nurse, she was safely taken to Maher’s Vadhu Budruk center. She was leaving behind trauma, stepping into a new life with her unborn child. “It was Doctor’s Day, and the joy of helping someone in such a meaningful way was the most fulfilling gift,” said Dr. Pranali Vetal, recalling how Smita cried and hugged the staff before leaving.
Now, Smita is living safely and peacefully at Maher. She and her baby are being cared for. “We house 260 residents here, and currently, two other pregnant women like Smita are also staying with us. She can stay as long as she needs.
Across Pune, Maher operates 38 centers for destitute women, children, the elderly, mentally ill, and others in need, ranging from newborns to the elderly,” said Mini M.J., the manager of Maher Foundation, Vadhu Budruk.