FIRST DAY 21.04.2006

DOHA: The 5^th Free Medical Camp commenced yesterday as the organizers received a massive turn out at the camp. When the two sessions of the camp ended at 3.30 pm, more 1500 beneficiaries from low income expatriates of various South Asian countries received medical treatment, said Dr.Sameer, Kalandan, President, Indian Medical Association Qatar chapter (IMA).

Dr. George Joseph, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, lauded the IIA’s initiatives to provide free check-up and medicines to the needy. He praised the efforts of organizers and the people associated with this humanitarian effort.

Dr. George Joseph, Indian Ambassador, Dr. Ahmed Mohd Al-Mulla, Consultant Public Health and Disease Control, Director Stop Smoking Clinic, Musthafa Al-Khatami, manger public relation Q-Tel, jointly inaugurated the medical camp, which is jointly organized by Indian Islamic Association & IMA under the patronage of National Health Authority (NHA) and Hamad Medical Coorporation. The camp is held at the Qatar Govt. Preparatory School near Jaida Flyover.

“Today the healthcare and health awareness have emerged as a vital area of attention and major concern for all. Lack of proper and adequate knowledge and awareness of health and environment has resulted in an unbalanced way of life. This underlines the role and importance of health awareness programmes, guidance activities in educating the public and we consider this event as a noble humanitarian and to be as a role model for whole humanity” said Dr .Ahmed Al Mulla.

He conveyed the wishes to the event on behalf of Dr. Turki Al-Khater, Managing Director HMC. “It is appreciated that there has been a tremendous improvement in terms of arrangements and participation when the 5^th medical camp is being conducted, Dr.Ahmed Al Mulla.

The Health Guide published as a part of the camp was released by Ahmed Al Mulla by giving a copy to Hassan Chogle, President ICC.

The special souvenir published as a part of the camp was released by Musthafa Al-Khatami, Manger Public relations Q-tel by giving a copy to Nilangshu Dey, President ICBF.

“The selfless service of the doctors, paramedics, organizations and above all the great support from the Q-Tel, National Health Authority and HMC was highly praise worthy” said Zubair Abdulla, President, Indian Islamic Association, who is also the Chairman, Organizing Committee during his welcome speech.

“It is a fact that a major number of low income patients in Qatar having serious but curable diseases are not able to continue their treatment after being diagnosed. This year, we planned to select those genuine cases and provide possible assistance and extend financial support for further treatments and medication and also those deserving patients who need to go to their country for further treatment, Said Zubair Abdulla.

“We wish to provide health cards to 150 most deserving patients, Zubair added. With the kind support of Q-Tel by doubling the amount of sponsorship we are encouraged to undertake with confidence the follow-up services to the needy, he added. We decided to form a Blood donors Forum with a minimum number of 2000 on call members willing to donate blood whenever needed in support to HMC blood bank.

Dr. Sameer Kalandan, who is in-charge of doctors of the camp, briefed the two days camp activities. “The basic purpose of the camp is to generate health awareness among expatriates community and to provide them maximum medical facilities in two days”. Said Sameer.  “Majority of people are unaware of the symptoms of commonly seen diseases.

 “The oral cancer detection facility has been arranged for all the visitors of the camp and already more than 1500 people have utilized the facility at the day” said Dr.Abdul Majeed Kavarodi.

The health awareness lectures arranged along with the medical camp attracted hundreds of audience. There were 7 lectures delivered by eminent doctors of various fields. The free blood sugar and cholesterol checkup facility was utilized by hundreds of visitors in addition to all the pre-registered patients.