Since the last 17
years our Khejri General Health and Eye Care Centre has been providing free
medical check-ups and treatment at both Government and private schools in our
area.
On 25th,
26th July, 1st and 16th August 2013 we went 15
km to Burthal village and examined 162 students and checked the hemoglobin of
74 adolescent girls. Dr. Sunita Sharma, Dr. Prem Shekhawat and Dr. L.M. Pareekh
extensively examined the children and prescribed medicines, where needed. Sister
Prasanna, sister Mamta, lab technician Babu Raj and school health coordinator
Bhanwar Lal Kumawat were busy checking the children's height, weight and
vision.
Almost 65% of the
children were below standard Indian weight. Children suffering from cold,
cough, headache, stomach ache, ear ache, eye and skin problems were provided on
the spot free medicines. Those showing more serious deficiencies and illnesses
were referred to come to the Khejri Health Centre for further free
investigations and treatment (8 for eye, 5 for dental, 2 for blood
examinations, 1 for ENT).
All 74 girl students
who were examined for hemoglobin were provided a card with their rating plus
detailed advice as to how to increase their hemoglobin and what causes anemia. 11
students had severe low hemoglobin: <10 iron folic acid and protein/vitamin
syrup were provided free of cost to these students to start with for 1 month.
Their parents were called to the school and the doctor explained to them the
danger of anemia and how to increase the girls’ diets. We have subsequently
followed up on these students and their hemoglobin will be checked up again in
September.