Camp Lead By:
- Jyoti Kumari Choudhary
- Tara Prasad
- Sarika Singha
- Khuswant Singh
Medical Team:
- Doctor: Dr. Umashankar Mehra
- CHO: Swarnlata Paadriya, Anjana Jagrani Khalkho
- ANM: Pushpa Rani Madhu
- MPW: Amrendra Kumar Singh
Introduction
On the 17th of August, 2024, a health camp was conducted at Shankarpur Panchayat Bhawan, organized by Gram Sathi in collaboration with AROHAN Financial Limited. This camp was part of an ongoing effort to provide essential healthcare services to rural communities, particularly targeting the underserved and marginalized populations. The camp was led by a skilled team of healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive medical care for all attendees.
Objectives
The health camp aimed to achieve the following objectives:
- Offer free medical check-ups and consultations to the community.
- Educate participants about common health issues and preventive measures.
- Distribute free medicines and health supplies.
- Identify serious health conditions and refer patients to higher medical facilities.
- Promote health awareness and education among the community members.
Attendance and Demographics
The health camp at Shankarpur witnessed a total participation of 139 individuals, with a significant female turnout of 125 compared to 14 males. This high female attendance underscores the community’s recognition of the importance of women’s health and reflects the success of our outreach and mobilization efforts.
Common Ailments Diagnosed
During the camp, several common health issues were identified among the participants:
- Anemia: A prevalent condition among the women participants, anemia was diagnosed in a significant number of cases. The lack of awareness about this condition was evident, as many women were unaware of their low hemoglobin levels until the camp.
- Joint Pain and Weakness: Many participants, particularly women, reported chronic joint pain and general weakness, likely due to poor nutrition and physically demanding daily activities.
- Cough and Cold: Seasonal changes and inadequate protection from environmental factors resulted in a high number of cough and cold cases, especially among children and the elderly.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A few cases of tuberculosis were detected, which requires immediate and consistent medical intervention to prevent further complications and the spread of the disease.
- High Blood Pressure: Several participants, mostly middle-aged and elderly, were diagnosed with high blood pressure. This condition poses a significant risk of heart disease and stroke, making early detection and management crucial.
- Viral Infections: Some participants were suffering from viral infections, which were managed with appropriate medications and advice on proper rest and hydration.
Services Provided
The health camp provided a range of services to address the identified health issues:
- Medical Consultations: Dr. Umashankar Mehra, along with the CHOs Swarnlata Paadriya and Anjana Jagrani Khalkho, and the ANM Pushpa Rani Madhu, offered detailed medical consultations to each participant. They provided personalized advice on managing chronic conditions and preventive care.
- Medication Distribution: Free medicines were distributed for treating common ailments such as anemia, joint pain, cough and cold, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, and viral infections. The medications included supplements, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, and pain relievers.
- Health Education: The camp featured sessions on health education, focusing on the importance of a balanced diet, hygiene, and regular medical check-ups. Participants were educated about the symptoms and prevention of common diseases, empowering them to take proactive steps in managing their health.
- Nutritional Advice: Given the high incidence of anemia and general weakness, the camp provided guidance on improving nutritional intake, emphasizing the importance of iron-rich foods, and proper food hygiene.
- Referral Services: Patients with severe or chronic conditions were referred to higher medical facilities for further evaluation and treatment. Follow-up support was offered to ensure these referrals were effective and that patients received the necessary care.
Challenges Faced
While the camp was successful, several challenges were encountered:
- High Demand for Services: The large turnout, particularly of female participants, led to a high demand for medical services, stretching the resources available at the camp.
- Lack of Awareness: Many participants lacked awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups and the symptoms of serious conditions like anemia and high blood pressure.
- Infrastructure Limitations: The Panchayat Bhawan, though adequate, lacked certain amenities, such as sufficient space for waiting and privacy during medical consultations. This made it challenging to manage the large crowd effectively.
A Case Study: The Impact of Undiagnosed High Blood Sugar
One poignant case involved a 55-year-old woman who was unaware of her high blood sugar levels. This undiagnosed condition had led to several other health issues, exacerbating her overall health status. She had been taking medication without proper consultation, which further deteriorated her condition. This case highlighted the critical need for regular health check-ups and professional medical advice to prevent and manage chronic diseases effectively.
Conclusion
The health camp at Shankarpur Panchayat Bhawan was a significant success, with 139 participants receiving essential medical care and health education. The camp addressed immediate health needs and provided long-term benefits through awareness and education. The high female turnout highlights the effectiveness of our outreach efforts and the crucial need for continued healthcare interventions in these communities.
The Shankarpur health camp reaffirmed the importance of such initiatives in improving the health and well-being of rural communities. We remain committed to organizing more camps and continuing our mission to provide accessible healthcare for all.