Thousands of low-income Asian expatriates have benefitted from the various medical services including free consultation, diagnosis tests, medicines, opticals and health awareness programmes organised as part of the 12th Free Medical Camp at Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent School for Boys in Salata Jadeed, yesterday. The camp, jointly organised by Indian Islamic Association Qatar (IIAQ), Indian Doctors Club (IDC) and Indian Medical Association’s Qatar Chapter (IMA), was attended by more than 5,000 people including 1,800 pre-registered expatriates from various Asian countries. The camp was held in coordination with the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and sponsored by Ooredoo. Some 144 doctors, including 16 physiotherapists provided medical services at the camp. This included free consultation, diagnosis tests, medicines, optical and health awareness programmes, in addition to physiotherapy that was introduced for the first time at the medical camp this year. The most common illnesses identified at the camp included diabetes, hypertension, skin diseases and back-aches, Dr K P Najeeb, president of IDC and the IMA.. In the case of skin diseases, most of the problems were related to fungal and bacterial diseases, which are caused by unhygienic lifestyle. A majority of those seeking medical services at the camp came from the Industrial Area in Qatar. The services provided at the camp included distribution of free health cards to deserving patients, necessary assistance for deserving chronic patients, and free eyeglasses for needy eye-patients. Follow up visits are organised to ensure that people in need of immediate attention receive medical aid, Dr Najeeb said, adding that referral is also provided for patients to HMC or walk-in clinics if required. Most of the beneficiaries at the camp were from different Asian communities like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Those who have checked their blood pressure and blood sugar also comprised mostly the low-paid workers from various Asian communities. The Ambassador of India, Sanjiv Arora, inaugurated the camp and lauded the efforts of nearly a thousand volunteers and the para-medical staff who contributed towards the success of the camp. “This camp represents a good example of multiculturalism, mutual respect, and cooperation among members of different communities living in Qatar. The Indian Embassy would be at the forefront of supporting any effort that symbolises human values and makes positive changes in the society,” he said, adding that this medical camp is a noble initiative that every Indian can be proud of. Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Ooredoo, in her felicitation address, said that she is proud to be part of this humanitarian effort and Ooreedoo’s support to this noble cause stems from its Corporate Social Responsibility. Delivering the presidential address, Abdulrahman Ahmed, President of IIAQ attributed the success of the medical camp to the collective and selfless efforts of all those involved. More than 1,000 IIAQ and Youth Form volunteers had worked selflessly to find the deserving people to be benefited by this annual event. He also said IIAQ was honoured by the Ministry of Interior for its commendable service among the expatriate community in Qatar. Dr K P Najeeb, President of IDC & IMA Qatar, said that they were honoured to join hands with Indian Islamic Association to take part in this medical camp which is the largest of its kind in Qatar and possibly, in the GCC countries as a whole. Naser Abdulla Al Obaidan, Executive Director of MD’s Office, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Dr Abdul Wahab Al Musleh, Deputy Medical Director, HMC, Fahad Al Ruwaili, Head of Community Affairs, Fanar, Hamad Mohamed Shabeeb Al Mannai, Owner and Director of Tariq Bin Zeyad Independent Secondary School for Boys, Khalid Ahmed Fakhru, Head of Public Relations, Qatar Charity, Tharun Basu, President ICC, and Kareem Abdulla, President ICBF were among the dignitaries who were present at the inaugural ceremony. Source : Qatar Chronicle

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