Ms. Achal Dharbandodkar was a Trainee Social Worker (TSW) and a student from Goa University. She was a volunteer. She asked the migrants: What help did you get from this camp? Was the camp helpful?
Mr. Iqbal Rajasab Bagwan said, “I had never done such a test before, and I wanted treatment for back pain. I usually do not go to doctors as they charge very high and as a daily wage labourer I cannot afford to. The doctors tested my health and gave me free medicine. This medical camp was very helpful”.
Ms. Guddiya Saroj stated, “I had known Kiran Niketan sisters for the past 4 years since I was taking medicine for Tuberculosis for six months and got cured. When I heard sisters were organising a medical camp, at once I left my household work and came here. Anket Saroj, my son, had a cold for long time. The doctor examined and said that my son was allergic to dust. Henceforth, I would take necessary precautions, so that my son does not play in dust areas.”
One of the residents, Ms. Hasssina Shaikh, gladly exclaimed, “This camp was beneficial to all migrants. It was the first time somebody thought of us. I am grateful to you for your compassion, care, and support.”
Dr. Sarita Kamble, from JMJ General Hospital, Porvorim, Goa said, “I am glad to be part of this medical camp which helped me to know the health conditions of the migrants and help them in some ways to alleviate their sufferings. It gave me inner peace and joy. I was glad to see many people benefitting from this camp”.
Kiran Niketan Social Centre, Zuarinagar organised a free general medical health camp for the poor and interstate migrants at the outskirts of Zuarinagar on 20 October 2022. The Director Sr. Phileshin said, “The camp was organised keeping in mind the poor and underprivileged people who cannot afford to go for a quality treatment for their health problems. Women and children benefited. Women felt comfortable to share their health issues with the doctor”. The camp consisted of general health check-ups, including blood group test, diabetes, and blood pressure. A doctor, 7 nurses and 3 female volunteers formed the medical camp team. It was a half day programme in which 96 people benefitted. Out of these, 48 were children, 36 women and 12 men. Fr. Joe Nazareth SJ was present and explained about Migrants Assistance Information Network (MAIN).
The local community members were appreciating the organisers, the sisters and Indian Social Institute, Bangalore for this timely medical camp.
Miss. Achal Dharbandodkar