Health   Camp   ( 2008 )

JICA Alumni Association of India (JAAI), in association with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organised a ‘Free Health Camp’ for the children of Harijan Camp, Lodi Colony, New Delhi on October 19, 2008 as a part of its social activity.

The camp has a cluster of about 700 slums housing under-privileged families of economically weaker sections of the Society. The residents, especially the children, suffered from various illnesses due to malnutrition, lack of hygiene and absence of proper medical facilities which were further compounded by their inability to spend on medical treatment. Keeping in mind the objective of the programme, various factors were taken into consideration. Different sites were surveyed. Finally, the Harijan Camp near Lodi Colony was selected for the Health Camp and the target group was ‘children of the camp’, as this would give direct benefit to the neediest persons.

At the outset, JAAI contacted local volunteers and social workers and sought their cooperation. Publicity of the programme was done in association with the local volunteers by means of banners and distribution of pamphlets. A team of medical personnel comprising of Dr. K. C. Agarwal (senior paediatrician), Dr. Mukul Agarwal (paediatrician), Dr. Shivani Attri (General Physician), Dr. Ajay Attri (Cardiologist), Dr. Rajesh Rastogi (Senior Psychiatrist) and Shri Praveen (medical staff) rendered their honorary services at the Health Camp. Mr. K. Sitaraman arranged for most of the medicines provided at the camp. Dr. M.M. Singh secured the services provided by Tuberculosis Association of India for check-up at the site.

About 300 patients availed of the medical facilities provided at the camp. The residents as well as the social workers fully appreciated the services provided and congratulated JAAI and the medical team for their extraordinary efforts. With the successful organising of its maiden Health Camp, JAAI added yet another feather in its cap.