31 July 2007

Ujjivan holds first comprehensive health camp in Ramnagar

Ujjivan held a comprehensive health camp on Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29 in Ramnagar, a semi-urban community located 50 miles outside of Bangalore. The two-day camp served 720 customers and family members of customers.

"The turnout at the camp was very high, but it sadly represents the medical realities of the Ramnagar area, where many of our customers and their families are suffering from health problems," said Satyasree Akella, Director of Parinaam, a NGO working in partnership with Ujjivan.

The medical team for the camp was provided by Vittala International Institute of Opthamalogy and Samatvam Asha. Patients were received general health screening, eye testing, and tests for blood pressure and diabetes. Three doctors, 3 counselors, and 5 technicians administered the various tests.

The team identified several major health problems common to many customers. "We saw many problems at the camp that were unique to the Ramnagar community and other similar semi-urban areas, including a high suspected rate of HIV/AIDS incidence, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency, and malnutrition. We think that this is due to a lack of general medical care, resources and awareness," said Pritesh Gandhi, Parinaam intern and Tufts School of Medicine student.

Ujjivan and Parinaam plan to continue these efforts in other Ujjivan branch areas. The next camp will be held on August 4 in Yeshwantpur.

S.K. Rao from Vittala conducts an exit interview with eye patients, referring them to additional resources

Samatvam Asha counselor tests a customer for high blood pressure

Parinaam Director Satyasree Akella registers customers and family members

Health educator Sophia and Customer Relationship Staff Jayanti assist customers

Customers line up for registration, taking shelter from the rain in a school

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