Indian J Pediatr (October 2011) 78(10):1246–1248 DOI 10.1007/s12098-011-0509-7
COMMENTARY
IJP Initiatives to Support Rural Health Camps S. R. Daga & S. Kanchana & Susan Mathew & Shirley Prakash
Received: 6 May 2011 / Accepted: 6 May 2011 / Published online: 10 August 2011 # Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation 2011
Pediatric Medical Camp at Rural PHC—Kamshet The Pediatric Medical camp was conducted on 01st March 2011 at PHC Khadakala, Kamshet. This PHC is located 15 Km away from MIMER Medical College and 55 km away from Pune. Two-third of the PHC area consists of tribal population and a large migrant population from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, UP and Bihar have also settled here. The Sarpanch of the Kamshet Grampanchayat inaugurated the camp, which began at 0900 h and ended at 1400 h. There were two stations.
(b) Station 2- Two Pediatric consultants, Dr S R Daga and Dr E P Dsouza carried out detailed examination of the patients (Fig. 1a and b).
(a) Station 1- To cater for weight recording, grading of nutritional status and checking of immunization records. Further details can be obtained from:
Camp 1. S. (*) R. Daga (*) S. R. Daga Department of Pediatrics, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon, Dabhade, Pune, India e-mail:
[email protected] S. Kanchana (*) Camp 2. S. Kanchana (*) Omayal Achi College of Nursing, King Cross Road, SM Nagar, Avadi, Chennai, India e-mail:
[email protected] S. Mathew Department of Pediatrics, Omayal Achi College of Nursing, King Cross Road, SM Nagar, Avadi, Chennai, India e-mail:
[email protected] S. Prakash Camp 3. S.(*) Prakash (*) Department of Pediatric Nursing and Community Health Nursing, Westfort College of Nursing, Pottore, Thrissur, Kerala, India e-mail:
[email protected]
Fig. 1 a The Sarpanch of the Kamshet Grampanchayat inaugurating the Camp. b The physicians examining the patients at the Camp held in Kamshet
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30th October 2010. It was found that there is a prevalence of 65% of malnutrition among under five children. The community was educated about malnutrition and its preventive measures using folk songs, drama, chart and posters. Treatment was provided to 283 children aged 0–5 years. Figure 2 shows the photographs of the camp. This camp was conducted by Omayal Achi College of Nursing, Avadi, Chennai, under the execution of Dr. Mrs. S. Kanchana. This camp was funded by Indian Journal of Pediatrics.
Pediatric Medical Camp at Thrissur, Kerala Westfort College of Nursing and Westfort Hospital Group, Thrissur, Kerala along with Indian Journal of Pediatrics and YMCA organized a Pediatric medical camp on 06th February 2011 at Arimboor Community hall, Thrissur, Kerala. The main aim of the camp is to develop awareness among the community regarding the importance of early detection of
Fig. 2 a and b Pediatric consultants examining the children at the Pediatric Health Camp in Kanniamman Nagar,Thiruvallur District
A total of 108 patients were attended to at the camp. Major proportion of patients were cases of respiratory tract infections, scabies, asthma, diarrheal disorders, impetigo and fevers. An easy to fill format was used to record the examination findings by two interns accompanying the team. The interesting cases seen were of lumbar lipomeningomyelocoele with trophic ulcer left foot, hydronephrosis, down’s syndrome with RTI, PDA, post kernicterus CP. Other cases seen were CSOM with central perforation of TM, torticollis with squint, malnutrition and hypospadias. The Department of Pediatrics, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon, Pune, under the execution of Dr. Subhash R Daga, the hospital staff, PHC staff, anganwadi workers and local volunteers were involved in the Camp. This camp was supported by educational grant from Indian Journal of Pediatrics.
Pediatric Health Camp at Thiruvallur District The Pediatric Health Camp was conducted in under five children in Kanniamman nagar, Thiruvallur district on
Fig. 3 a and b Pediatricians examining the patients at the Pediatric Medical Camp held in Thrissur, Kerala
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diseases, prevention of diseases, and promotion of health in pediatric age groups and also to provide appropriate treatment. Out of 250 children registered for the camp, 228 children consulted the doctors. The registered children were triaged and directed to respective OPD’s. Figure 3 shows the photographs of the doctors examining the patients at the Camp. Laboratory and pharmacy services were provided as per the direction and prescription of the doctors. Awareness programmes in the form of exhibitions on various aspects of child care, prevention of diseases, childhood accidents and nutritional needs of children and a puppet show on prevention of diarrhea was another feature of the camp. A brief statistics of diseases identified in the children who attended the camp are as follows:
Indian J Pediatr (October 2011) 78(10):1246–1248
Conditions Respiratory problems Nutritional problems GI disorders ENT disorders Skin disorders Dental problems Central Nervous System problem Renal problems Eye disorders General conditions
Percentage 33.8 10 9.6 8.8 4 11.4 6.6 2.2 2.6 11
Fifty two children (22.8%) were referred to hospitals for further investigation and treatment.
