Sau Janakibai Wathodkar, Maternity Home Bhandara

Retired nyayadish Shri Bapusaheb Wathodkar desired to do a noble deed in memory of his beloved wife. He visited matru Sewa Sangh, Maternity Home, Nagpur and promised to contribute Rs. 35 monthly towards this cause. In the meeting of the executive committee of MSS held on 23 March 1938, it was decided to establish a branch in Bhandara. Kamlatai Hospet with the help of Mrs. Maltibai Bapat looked after all the necessary arrangements and under the presidency of Mrs. Kamlabai Rege organised a programme of Haldikumkum and opened a branch in Bhandara. At the end of the year the Maternity home successfully carried out delivery of 63 babies The monthly rent of the Maternity Home was Rs. 15 per month. It was difficult to raise funds from the village. The branch applied to the Bhandara Municipal committee and Zilla Council for help but in vain. The branch was running with the sole support of Bapusaheb Wathodkar. Later from the year 1940-41, the branch started receiving help of Rs. 40 from Municipality committee and Rs. 60 from Zilla Council.
Mrs. Godutai Kothiwale and shrimati Ambutai Sompurkar were the first managers of the branch. Medical help was lent by Dr. Paithankar and lady doctors and civil surgeon of Bhandara. Later the branch constructed its own building and served the society through various programmes and projects.
Today the Maternity Home celebrates all prominent days and festivals. It also carries out B.C.G. and Polio Vaccination drive. The branch has a Homeopathy department, skincare department, Family Counselling Centre. It also conducts Health check-up camps regularly. In this way this branch is constantly striving to serve the society.