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The Country Coordinator of the Terre Des Hom, Salam Dharejo, highlighted the objectives of the camp and stated that the area was considered station of industrial workers mostly children and women having nominal wages resultantly unable to get proper medical treatment.
Nazra Jahan, Executive Director, FRHD, stated that the camp was undertaken as the majority of the residents have to access to health facilities and since the area is located in the industrial area they are facing multiple problems such as eyes infection, skin problems as well as Hepatitis B & C whereas the minors are facing malnutrition badly affecting their health and growth.
114 patients were referred for screening and having found four patients affected from hepatitis B & C (two each) were sent to Saylani Welfare Trust for free medical treatment and medicines, according to lab technician, Muhammad Arif.
Dr Muzammil reported that mostly people are suffered from allergies due to environmental pollution. According to him 5 patients were registered to refer for cataract surgery. General eye checkup of 98 including children, men and women was conducted.
The Foundation for Research and Human Development (FRHD), with the support of the Terre Des Homes, Germany, organized a medical camp in continuation with their efforts for social uplift and welfare of the labourers, women, children and marginalized and neglected slum of Area 34/3, Labour Square and adjacent vicinities of Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi.
It was also brought to light that it was a thickly populated, unplanned and without proper sanitation area with heaps of garbage and sewage in streets causing increase of multiple diseases including skin problems due to chemical waste coming from the nearby drains/ sewerage lines. Besides, residents are badly affected due to non-availability of potable water.
She informed that a total of 728 patients including 153 children, 268 women and 307 male visited and were able to get free advice/consultation, screening and treatment to prevent Hepatitis B & C, eye, dental and Ortho diseases at their doorstep.
She also appreciated the efforts and cooperation of senior doctors, students of medical colleges and paramedical staff who attended the patients throughout the day.
Dr Lubna Nasir, RMO, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, was of the view that majority of the patients inclusive of children were suffering from diarrhea, skin diseases, malaria, sore throat and chest congestion. The patients of chicken-gonya were also found. The children were found anemic with malnutrition issues due to poverty.
Dr Muhammad Shoaib Shah, HO, Abbasi Hospital, revealed that the main problems diagnosed include anemia in males and females, skin diseases, asthma, malnourishment in both adults and children, and arthritis. Most of these diseases were caused due to poor hygiene of the people in the area.
The dentist reported that quite a good number of patients complained about tooth ache and most of them caries and need RPD. 10% of the people were referred for scaling.
Dr Saima Bashir felt that the main cause of all these diseases and infections was malnutrition and poor hygiene.
The camp also aimed to educate the community about personal health, hygienic, child health care, prevention of diseases and sanitation of living areas. The parents were also advised on curable diseases of children and women counseled on mother/ child health related matters.
The camp received good response from community and was commended by the local leaders.
Really appreciate of efforts in this area.
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