Free school health check up/hemoglobin test at Government Secondary School, Burthal (15 km east of the Health Centre) July-August 2013.

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 25^th, 26^th July, 1^st and 16^th 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.