Published on: 2 April 2026
Life-saving skills have been shared thanks to a team of NHS staff who took time out to help train up counterparts in India.
Most of the 18-strong group are from the North East and travelled to Walawalkar Hospital in Dervan, on India’s west coast. It was the 21st time the SVJC UK Trust charity has visited the hospital.
The organisation was set up by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) consultant anaesthetist Dr Sanjay Deshpande. The hospital is based in Dr Deshpande’s home country.
He is backed by a team of trustees, Shelley Quantrill, Dr Lance Cope, Eleanor Freeman, John Wall and Mr Rajeev Subhedar.
Eleanor Freeman, pictured second from left, and Dr Sanjay Deshpande, with members of staff from the hospital they visited in Dervan.
The delegation included an orthopaedic surgeon, a transplant surgeon, an ophthalmologist, anaesthetists, trainee doctors, a dentist, operating department practitioners and nurses.
In addition to lessons on a host of skills, they also hosted sessions on organ donation. This looked at how this takes place in the UK and India, procedures, recovery and life after a transplant.
They also delivered treatment and lectures at the hospital. Among the successful sessions was a clinic to check if children have squint in their eye, a condition called strabismus. More than 200 youngsters were assessed during the week. The eye team from the UK worked alongside local healthcare staff to help train them to carry out the tests.
The NHS team delivering training during their visit to India.
Dr Deshpande said:
"The camp this year was outstanding.
"There was a huge sense of camaraderie and it was a team effort.
"The focus was on education and training and we got excellent feedback from those we helped train during our visit."
SVJC’s mission is to help people in that area of India. This is through its mission: health for all, education for all and empowerment of the individual. It also gives vital medical advice for those who need it.
Those who spend their own time to take the trip benefit by the experience of travelling to Dervan and the chance to develop their careers by sharing their knowledge and finding out how a healthcare system in another country is run.
To find out more about the SVJC Trust visit www.svjctrust.co.uk
The delegation pictured during their visit to India.
