Three health camps were conducted in South Kolkata during April 1-7 on the occasion of World Health Day to provide preventive and curative healthcare to underprivileged population, especially women and children.
The camps were conducted by mobile medical unit Smile on Wheels in the underserved areas of Park Circus, Prince Anwar Sha Road and Gorfa Road in South Kolkata.
Health camps at Park Circus and Anwar Sha Road were specially conducted for about 300 children of two centres of Mission Education programme. The focus of the camps was on preventive care through immunisation, growth monitoring and distribution of iron tablets for anaemic children. Most of these children suffered from malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, and stomach infections.
A third camp was organised at Harisadhan Junior High Bidhyayatan at Gorfa Main Road, where around 416 patients, 120 of them children, were treated by a team of four doctors. The Chairman of Borough XI also attended the camp. Most of the cases pertained to hypertension, gastritis and stomach infections and were provided free medicines. Women, especially those pregnant, were checked for anaemia and prescribed iron and folic tablets.
The doctors also advised the people on the issue of hygiene and sanitation, importance of breast feeding, family planning methods and the need for a nutritious and balanced diet among children and women.
Since the day was being observed as Polio Eradication Day, local health administration officials were also present on the occasion to provide polio drops to children below five years.