India, Sept. 1 -- As the Maratha quota agitation in Mumbai entered its third day, a health crisis unfolded at Azad Maidan with hundreds of protesters reporting viral fever, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory illnesses and even cases of wet gangrene. With civic medical facilities stretched thin, two doctors from Dharashiv stepped in, spending nearly Rs.5 lakh from their own pockets to procure medicines and provide free treatment to almost 5,000 protesters.

Dr Rushiraj Doke, 30, and Dr Tatyasaheb Kokate, 34, said they were doing this so protesters could endure the struggle without being crippled by illness. Over three days, they have offered free treatment and medicines to nearly 5,000 protesters, filling a crucial gap in healthcare ...