Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Dec 28: A large-scale free health and eye check-up camp was successfully held on Sunday, December 28, at Hegde’s Private English Medium Senior Primary School in Kayar Palke, a rural area of Maninalkur village, Bantwal taluk, reaching hundreds of villagers with vital medical services.
The event was organised collaboratively by Shri Poornananda Seva Pratishthana (R), Dakshina Kannada District Kudla Deshastha Adya Gowda Brahmin Sangha (R), Hegde’s School, KMC Hospital, Attavar – Mangaluru, and local community groups. The camp ran from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, offering comprehensive check-ups and screenings.
Services included general health examinations, children’s health assessments, bone and joint screenings, ENT checks, cancer screenings, eye examinations, heart evaluations, gynaecological consultations, blood pressure and diabetes monitoring, free ECG tests, medicine distribution, and spectacles at discounted rates.
Conducted under the guidance of experienced KMC doctors, separate arrangements were made for male and female patients. Individuals requiring further treatment were directed to KMC Hospital for surgery or specialised internal care under the Green Card scheme at concessional rates. Hundreds of villagers attended and benefited.
Speaking at the event, D Ramesh Nayak, director of Shri Poornananda Seva Pratishthana, said: "Free health camps in rural areas are extremely effective. They raise awareness about symptoms and preventive measures, which is crucial for society. With the rise of serious illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes, regular screenings and expert advice are essential. It is commendable that prestigious institutions like KMC Hospital have partnered in this noble initiative."
Dr Vijayalakshmi Nayak added: "Social concern is vital for a healthy community. Organising such a responsible health camp within the school premises is immensely beneficial for villagers."
The programme included a prayer by Sujata Samant, with Bhaskar of the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project serving as the announcer. Sudheer Nayak (Bengaluru) and Dr Vaibhav (KMC Hospital) emphasised the importance of such initiatives, while Suchitra Nayak (Maninalkur) delivered felicitations.
Dignitaries present included Prakash Hegde (school management committee), Srinivas Shenoi (Koodibail Mahammayi Temple), Vimal (president, Maninalkur Gram Panchayat), Murali Prabhu Vagga (president, Shri Poornananda Seva Pratishthana), Ravindra Nayak Kuntalpadi (secretary), Dayananda Nayak (president, Kudla Deshastha Adya Gowda Brahmin Sangh), Sudhakar Prabhu Permarodi (secretary), Vasanth Nayak (Koodibail), Subhash Nayak (Sarapadi), Jnanesh Prabhu, Ganesh Prabhu Panjikallu, Ganesh Prabhu Om, Handiru Sridhar Prabhu, and others.
Under the leadership of Bhaskar Prabhu and Vasudev Prabhu Kordotu, with guidance from Murali Prabhu Vagga and KMC’s Kartik Nayak, the camp was executed smoothly. Residents of Minaldot Ashram, Nammane Charitable Trust, participated and received health check-ups and awareness sessions. Rathnakar, the ashram head, was present, and daily essentials and fresh fruits were distributed to attendees.
Officials and members of the Dakshina Kannada District Kudla Deshastha Adya Gowda Brahmin Sangh and Shri Poornananda Seva Pratishthana visited the Nammane Charitable Trust (R) – Minaldot Ashram, located near Kayar Palke in the rural areas of Bantwal taluk, today.
During the visit, the officials spent time interacting with the ashram residents, enquiring about their health, livelihood, and daily needs. Essential items and fresh fruits were distributed to the residents as part of humanitarian assistance.
In addition, the ashram residents were taken to the free health and eye check-up camp organised at Kayar Palke, where they received comprehensive medical examinations by expert doctors. The camp also provided awareness on disease symptoms, and free medicines and spectacles were distributed to those in need.
Through this initiative, the organisations aimed to raise health awareness among the underprivileged and homeless, while also integrating them into the broader social framework. Officials of the organisations said,
"This humanitarian service is intended to ensure that every member of society can lead a healthy and dignified life."
The visit and medical support were widely appreciated for addressing the needs of the marginalised, highlighting the commitment of community and charitable organisations to social welfare and inclusive healthcare.