Daily Times

KARACHI: Foundation for Research & Human Development (FRHD) organized a Medical Camp to reduce health vulnerabilities among the marginalised labourer’s families in collaboration with Saylani Welfare Trust and DMC-Korangi with financial support of Tere Des Home (Germany) at Gulshan-e-Latif, Ward-1, UC-23, Industrial Area Korangi, Karachi under the project Reduce Child Labour through Education and Awareness.

Nazra Jahan from the Foundation for Research and Human Development (FRHD) told that medical camp was to provide facility of free Screening and Treatment to prevent Eyes, Dental and General Disease. “There were 660 patients including 143 children, 216 women, 301 males from Gulshan-e-Latif and surrounding areas came to medical camp to receive medical assistance and treatments,” she said.

“This is populated slum area, majority Sindhi speaking industrial laborers are living under pitiful conditions, earning Rs.14,000 per month.”

“In the area, health facilities and schools are missing except only a small private school. Children are illiterate and fell into begging and child labor,” she added.

“During medical camp free testing of Hepatitis B and C was provided. 46 patients were referred for screening in which 1 female and 4 male were Hepatitis “C” carriers while 1male was Hepatitis “B” carrier which were referred to Saylani Medical Trust to get free medical treatment and medicines,” told M.Arif, Laboratory technician.

Dr. Ishtiaque Hussain, Assistant Prof at Trauma Center Civil Hospital, Karachi pointed out that the main problems diagnosed include anaemia in both males and females, skin diseases, asthma, malnourishment in both adults and children, and arthritis. Most of these diseases were caused by the poor hygiene of the people in the area.

The infection was passed on from one person to another, causing around 60% of the patients carrying the skin infection. Some patient referred to creek general hospital for free blood tests, he added.

Mohammad Farhan, Ophthalmologist, reported that mostly people are suffered from allergies due to lack of awareness. 8 patients were referred to Saylani welfare trust for cataract surgery. General eye checkup of 180 people including children, men and women was conducted and patients were provided with spectacles.

Dr. Arshman, Dental consultant reported that most of the people have caries and need RPD. 10% of the people were referred for scaling.

Dr. Ms. Saima told that deficiency of malnutrition, Calcium and Vitamin “D” and anemia were reported in female patients. “There is need to raise awareness about family planning among couple,” she suggested.

Amir Moin, MPA, said that “It’s impressive to witness doctors and the staff of FRHD helping such underprivileged community. I will approach concerned authorities to clean the area and remove animal wastes so that the hygienic situation of the area will be resolved. Also, Chief Minister of Sindh be requested to allocate funds during next budget to have dispensary in the area to provide medical care to the people.”

Rubina Ansari, Vice Chairman, supported for organizing medical camp and throughout the day helped and support the staff and people.

Published in Daily Times, January 23^rd 2018.