Bahirampada-Kaspada – Medical Camp-Phase 1
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Suhrid foundation had been organizing camps in Oct and March till last year. Since the academic year ends in April, there was very little time left for the cases, which were identified in March camps. Hence, we decided to change the pattern. We planned to have first set of camps in August and the follow up would be in Jan.
Apart from the regular health checkup, we had three more key objectives for these camps. The target was to complete Tetanus treatment for 97 new kids from 6 schools and blood test for 206 kids from 6 schools. We had launched oral hygiene program across all the schools last month. We were expecting positive result this time.
First camp was organized at Bahirampada, wherein the kids from Bahirampada, Khandeghar and Toplepada were examined. Second camp was organized at Kaspada, wherein the kids from Kaspada, Talyachapada and Nandelpada were examined. In each camp, at least two schools have to get their kids in tempo to the main venue. The kids are not used traveling the distance. Moreover, sultry weather and topsy turvy roads with uneven surface make the job a bit challenging. Despite of these challenges, we had record attendance this time. We could get 319 kids (target 326), give tetanus to 89 (target 97) and conduct blood test for 195 (target 206) kids. The kids who had fever or other health condition were excluded from TT and blood test. We would do that during next visit. Almost 98% attendance is the all time best.
The striking factor this time was personal hygiene – dominated mainly by the oral hygiene. Dramatic improvement was observed across all the schools in this aspect. Improper oral hygiene created a big hurdle towards the deworming exercise. With the changed scenario, we would expect lot of health benefits apart from the improved habits.
The kids were distributed medicines, which included medicines for fever, cough and cold, calcium, folic acid, antibiotics, stomach ailments, eye infections, ear problems etc. Key findings from the camp:
- Teeth were clean – no plaque. Cavities did exist, but they were non-infected due to regular brushing.
- Overall deworming has improved due to Swacch Daant Abhiyan. We could see improvement in nutrition also due better oral hygiene
- Some schools like Kaspada was better in all factors (deworming, hygiene, nutrition), however, immunity of the children was observed less. Would have to start Ayurvedic immunity booster
- Ear infection problem of Bahirampada has worsened and have reached middle-ear infection in some cases. Special attention would have to be given to these kids.
This particular camp was also used as a pilot for a new non-invasive process of measuring hemoglobin in the blood. A professor from Chennai was specially flown for the same. He would compare the results from this new technique against the conventional ones.
We have identified few kids for the advanced treatment, who would be treated by specialists. We are grateful to the teachers from the schools for supporting this initiative in flawless manner. The kids patience and cooperation make our job all the more simple.
Next camp would be organized on 5th Sept, 2015.
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