Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE)

Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) started the Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) on July 2, 2012, with the primary objective of positively impacting the communities surrounding the University. The program aims to empower the local community to identify and promote their own health initiatives while also taking proactive, community-driven actions in the socio-economic, environmental, and education domains in a sustainable manner.

Its mission is to facilitate the sustainable, holistic, and integrated development of the identified villages situated in the Mulshi taluka of Pune district. A total of 22 villages were initially selected for the implementation of the program, which has now been increased to 35 villages, having approximately 28% of the Mulshi block population.

SIU is committed to the principles of ― ‘Health for All’. SCOPE is presently implementing SIU’s mandate of Health Promotion University (HPU), i.e. promotion of sustainable health within the wider community. This is an asset to the university staff, students, and to the communities in which they are located, and to the wider society where these students will eventually assume professional roles.

To realize these goals, the SCOPE Healthcare team conducts primary health check-ups, at the selected villages as per the fixed daily schedule. It undertakes a range of initiatives beyond the Outpatient Department (OPD) and referral services, which include Health Awareness campaigns, Health Promotion activities, Personal and Social Development programs, Institutional Social Responsibility projects, Service Learning opportunities, and the creation of a Healthy Environment. These efforts also involve building strong connections with the community and conducting academic and action research in collaboration with the community.

The beneficiaries of these initiatives encompass individuals of all age groups and genders, including expectant and postnatal mothers (ANC & PNC), breastfeeding mothers, children, older adults, and adolescents. Annually, access to community healthcare is extended to approximately 80,000 to 100,000 beneficiaries, especially those residing in remote, underserved, and hard-to-reach areas. The SCOPE team not only provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for students from Symbiosis sister institutes but also for international students who engage with the villages through Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) and gain insights into the prevalent health issues.