Free health checks

As the summer has progressed, we have had a few interesting developments at Viklang Basti Informal School. Amongst the new initiatives, we have held 3 ‘Health Camps’ for the children – a

general health check-up, an eye test and a dental check-up. These 3 events were funded by a donation received from Louella, one of our supporters working for Merseyside Police. Louella has been collecting from her colleagues at work, using techniques such as swear boxes etc. as well as voluntary contributions. Good idea!

The first camp was the General Health Camp. We carried this out in conjunction with The Salvation Army (pictured with their

distinctive blue sash, along with the doctor and volunteers) and so were able to invite all children and adults from Viklang Basti to attend, not just the children from the School. This proved to be really popular with 61 children and 53 adults attending. For many children, this is the first time they have had any contact with a doctor. The 2 main problems found were worms and malnutrition (caused partly by diet, but also from worms). Regular medication has been prescribed for the worms – we shall monitor that for the school children – and we are already looking into providing advice on making the best use of available food for maximum nutrition. The last medication was dispensed by candlelight, so popular was this Health Camp.

The Eye Testing Camp came next, this time we had to restrict the attendance to school children only. 40 children were examined with the ophthalmoscope and then given the eye test using Hindi and English lettering.
Again, for most of the children, this was the first time they had been

examined by an optician and so it was quite surprising and pleasing to see that only 2 children have to go for further investigations. This should have been be carried out at the government funded hospital, but the doctor concerned is away on a long absence and so Dr.Sashanka has taken them to a private clinic where they are now undergoing further tests.

In addition to the 2 children needing further examination, 5 cases of conjunctivitis were diagnosed and JBF provided the medicines for that. One case of Vitamin A deficiency was also discovered, and we will give that to the child at school time to make sure he receives it on a regular basis.

The last event to be held was the Dental Camp. The visit started

with the dentist, Dr.Shirly Goel, telling the children about good dental hygiene and the best way to achieve it. This lecture was enthusiastically received and it was felt that the children took the message seriously.

This was followed by the examination of each child by Dr.Goel. As this was the fist dental examination for most of the children, we expected there to be many problems. Surprisingly, only 4 children will need further treatment and this will be carried out at the dental surgery which is located about 15 minutes walk from Viklan Basti

Finally, the children were all given one tube of toothpaste, one toothbrush and a ‘Brushing Chart’ which they must fill in for the next month to show that they have taken on the habit of regular maintenance.