I think that as a person of medical science, it is our job to advocate for social welfare, for patient care and to improve healthcare. Our voice is a privilege.
Switch India in collaboration with Robin Hood Army conducted a camp at Lonavala and Khapoli site on 15th September '19. We were a group of 8 volunteers, 4 from MBBS and 4 from BPT, all from Pune.
We reached the Lonavala station by train from Pune and from there with volunteers of RHA we reached camp site at Lonavala, a tribal area.
Rain was our escort all along the way but as soon as we reached it began to pour heavily making it difficult for us to find a perfect place to set the camp. The local children there led us to a school, which provided us a shed. Soon the camp was set and people started flowing in.
There were 5 stations arranged : Registration, BP, General Examination, Counselling-Pharmacy, Physiotherapy. A total of 149 people came for the check-up in the age group of 2-60 years. People were very cooperative and the camp ran smoothly.
Their trust in us was what kept us motivated all along. Counselling was done for all and deworming was done for the the children. Medications were provided as needed. Accordingly, adequate referrals were made with the help of RHA volunteers.
The camp ended at around 2 and then we left for our 2nd camp site at Khapoli. We all took a small vadapav and chai break amidst the rains to fill us all with energy for the next camp.
We reached Khapoli and were stunned with the natural backdrop that we were surrounded with. Soon, similar arrangements were made for the station.
Total 71 people came for the check-up there. Counselling was provided to all and deworming done for all children. The camp concluded at 5 in the evening and we left for home after a fruitful day of work.
The people came there seeking for health care and an ear to hear their complaints and I am so relieved to say that we all did our best in giving them not only medications but lifestyle changing advices too.
