Medical Camp For Talwada Kids

THE TALWADA MEDICAL CENTRE COMMITTEE HELD ITS FIRST MEDICAL CAMP AT THE AJIT DESHPANDE MEDICAL CENTRE AT TALWADA ON AUGUST 28TH AND 29TH, 2022.

1076 children from Mahajan Guruji Primary Ashram, Mahadei Panmesaridas Jindal Secondary Ashram and Anusuya Devi Taparia Higher Secondary Ashram schools participated eagerly.

4 paediatricians, 4 gynaecologists and 4 ENT surgeons from Vedantaa Hospital and Research Centre, Dahanu, Palghar District, 10 dentists from the Dental Department of MGM Dental College, Navi Mumbai, 4 audiometrists from Audiology
& Speech Department of Nair Hospital, Mumbai, 4 optometrists from Opticraft, Mumbai, 38 volunteers from Impact India Foundation (IIF) and our very own 2 pathologists who performed complete blood count (CBC) were on hand to conduct a
complete health check-up of kids of these three tribal schools. This was a first of its kind event, completed in two
days.

Off to an early start at 8.45 am on Saturday, students were lined up class wise. They were eager in the way children are when they spend a day out of the classroom. They were given a banana each as their first meal of the day. At the
end of the exam, they were given a packet of goodies and Frooti, which they enjoyed.

They went in groups of 8-10 to each medical facility and the doctors examined them patiently and thoroughly, noting their findings on a set of pre-printed forms given to each student and then sending them along to the next facility.
During the initial analysis, 212 students were identified for “refractory error” and were given a choice of spectacles they would like. Other medical intervention required will be referred to Vedantaa Hospital. The two Community Health Officers (CHO) recently appointed at our Talwada Medical Centre recorded each student’s personal information and vitals were recorded in the weeks prior to the Medical Camp. Our pathologist also did a complete blood count of all students. This saved valuable time at the venue.

The 38 volunteers from Impact India Foundation, stationed at the facilities, helped keep each batch of students together and ensured that order was maintained. These young men and women were effective, disciplined and polite, and one could see them enjoying their duties in the way they gently hurried along the children.

Special thanks to: Dr. R. M. Chaturvedi M.D. (PSM), Dean, and Dr. Mukund Khandelwar, Administrative Officer, Vedantaa Hospital who initially sent us 10 doctors and, on the last day, added 10 more, entirely free of cost. Dr. Gayatri Hatangadi, Head of Department AST, Nair Hospital, who sent 4 audiologists with audiometry equipment, also free of cost.

Dr. Ashwini Bhusara (ADMC) and Dr. Anil Deshpande (PVERC) and Impact India Foundation’s (IIF), Mr. Pravin Londe (Administrator), Dr. Saurav Gaurav (CMO) and their 38 volunteers, who ensured that all logistical arrangements for the Camp were amicably made so as to make it convenient and hassle-free for the 1076 children.

Rotary is ever so grateful to Mr. Bharat Yashwant Pashte (Principal) and Mr. Giridhar Shankar Rikame (Head Master- Primary) for giving us the opportunity to serve the Ashram Shala students.

All praise must go to our very own Rtn. Prof (Dr.) Rohini Chowgule, who has masterminded this health check-up camp. Her efficiency and keen eye for detail were instrumental in the success of this medical camp.

Sincere thanks also to PP Nowroze Vazifdar and Rtn. Ravi Fotedar for holding down the fort on Sunday and assisting in the distribution of the “Certificates of Appreciation” to all the doctors and volunteers.

This first-of-its-kind initiative was a complete success.