PROJECT SPARSHA: Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Health Camp for Geriatric & Paediatric Population

Nepal Health Corps – NGMC (2022-23)

Background

Neelsagar old age home and orphanage, a charity organization located in Nepalgunj Banke has been taking care of more than 150 young children and old aged people.This organization has been positively impacting thousands of lives.

We cannot just keep saying a prayer for healing for the under privileged one. Rather we need to address their health issues, perform necessary examination and provide them prompt treatment to solve the underlying problems. Appropriate health checkup is vital for every human being and having said that, important factors like age, lifestyle, family background and risks are the key factors to be taken into account.

As Robert Fulghum said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” We being a group of trained medical persons decided to create an impact on their health and lives by conducting an comprehensive and multidisciplinary health camp. This health camp focused on systemic examination, diagnosis, treatment, and consultations inorder to ensure their sound health.

Rationale

We cannot just keep saying a prayer for healing for the under privileged one. Rather we need to address their health issues, perform necessary examination and provide them prompt treatment to solve the underlying problems. Appropriate health checkup is vital for every human being and having said that, important factors like age, lifestyle, family background and risks are the key factors to be taken into account.

Health examination and tests at the early stage of the illness can help to cure it faster and also save a life before it actually cause any damage. An individual can live longer, healthier and happier with right kind of health check-up, screening and treatment. Moreover, most basic checkups can also help identify underlying illness.

Having said that, childrens and old age population being one of the vulnerable population that too of orphanage and old aged shelter might be deprived of adequate medical facilities. So we decided to conduct a mobile health camp inorder to ensure the good health of the childrens and old aged people living there.

Objectives

The main objectives of the health camp were as follows:

• To provide medical consultations, examinations, and treatments to the geriatric and pediatric population.
• To raise awareness about common health issues and preventive measures.
• To offer specialized services in Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, and Pediatrics.
• To conduct health screenings and assessments to identify underlying health conditions like hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
• To educate participants about proper nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle practices.

Activities

Two sessions of the program were conducted in the tenure 2022-23.

1st Session

Date: 2079-04-14 (30th July, 2022)
Location: Neelsagar Sewaashram, Nepalgunj
Number of beneficiaries: 104 Elderly and Children

2nd Session

Date: 2079-12-24 (7th April, 2023)
Location: Neelsagar Sewashram, Kohalpur
Number of beneficiaries: 50

Pre-workshop Activities

Resource allocation: Medical equipment, supplies, and medications were procured and distributed among the respective stations to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of the participants.Volunteer recruitment: A team of consultants, residents, medical students and healthcare professionals volunteered their services to provide medical consultations, examinations, and treatments during the camp.

Camp setup: The venue was prepared with designated areas for each department, examination areas for vitals monitoring and systemic examination, and a pharmacy section for medicine distribution.
Intra-workshop period.

Medical consultations: Experienced doctors and medical professionals conducted thorough consultations by diagnosing various health conditions, prescribed medications and advised further workup when necessary.

Health screenings: Participants underwent health screenings to identify underlying health issues, including blood pressure measurements, vision assessments and dermatological evaluations.Medication dispensing: A dedicated pharmacy section ensured the availability and proper distribution of prescribed medications.

Health education: Informative sessions were conducted to raise awareness about prevalent health issues, disease prevention, proper nutrition, hygiene practices, and lifestyle modifications.

Referrals and follow-up: Individuals requiring further medical attention or specialized care were referred to Nepalgunj Medical College. An easy referral system was established and provision for treatment at a subsidized cost was made.

Results and Outcomes

• The camp successfully provided much-needed healthcare services to residents of an old age home and orphanage who may have faced barriers to accessing medical care.
• Through medical consultations and screenings, various health conditions were identified and promptly treated, improving participants overall health and well-being.
• The health education sessions enhanced participants understanding of common health issues, preventive measures, and healthy lifestyle practices.

Partnerships

NHC NGMC team collaborated with the Department of Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, and Pediatrics to organise the event.

Budget

1. Banner – Rs. 500
2. Medications – Rs. 8,000 (For two session)
3. Transportation – Rs. 1500 (For two session)
4. Certificates – Rs. 1000 (For two session)

Total = Rs. 1100

Annex