Daily Times

The Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) on Sunday organised a free medical camp in collaboration with the Welfare Association of Dermatologists (WAD) Pakistan to promote awareness about skin-related diseases and disorders amongst the poverty-stricken people of Naundero in Sindh.

At least 1,022 people were found to be infected with certain skin diseases from the total 1,409 people examined, which included communicable as well as dermatological diseases, the latter mostly affecting women and children.

One person was diagnosed with skin cancer while another with skin TB, and both were recommended for a free treatment in Karachi by the doctors.

Reportedly, a prominent dermatologist Dr Manzoor Ahmed Memon identified ‘Ultra-violet rays and scorching heat of summer’, ‘low-quality soaps, makeup and cosmetics’ and ‘lack of water in body’ as leading causes of many skin diseases.

He urged the general public to wear light-coloured clothes during hot weather, consume sufficient amount of water to prevent dehydration in skin cells and do exercises on a daily basis for a healthy life.

387 diabetic patients were also examined while 19 patients were unaware that they had diabetes.

A specialist Dr Ayaz Shaikhjo expressed profound concerns over lavish lifestyle of people, and said that they have become habitual of spending comfortable life and termed it as ‘a leading cause of many fatal diseases’.

“Rather than using bikes and cars to buy items of daily use from the markets, we should choose walking or early morning walk for a healthy life, he stated.

Dr Manzoor said many female patients were suffering from eczema as they had been using low-quality and substandard washing powders or soaps while washing clothes.

Meanwhile, free medicines were also distributed amongst the patients.

The doctors were presented traditional Sindhi Ajraks by SGA representatives Abdul Lateef Kertio and Sharif Abro.

The residents appreciated efforts of doctors for such a noble cause, and urged them to organise such camps in the future as well.

Published in Daily Times, August 27^th 2018.