Media release

Mangaluru, Oct 31: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, the OCDS unit of St. Teresa of Avila Community, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru and the Indian Cancer Society, Mangaluru in collaboration with Father Mullers Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, organised a free cancer screening and general health check-up camp at the Shrine Carmel Hill Hall, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru on October 31.

Registration began at 8:15 am by the OCDS members. The inaugural program was presided over by Fr Melvin D’Cunha, OCD, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru.

Raina J. Mascarenhas, NSG, Dr Kumar S Vashist, and Dr. Anoop Joseph were the guests of honour. The camp was initiated by Fr Ivan D’Souza, with active support from the OCDS president, Herold Gratian D’Souza, and all OCDS community members. The event concluded at 1.40 pm, benefiting 173 attendees.

The OCDS unit co-operated to ensure the camp’s success, with publicity conducted during the Novena Masses for over two weeks prior to the camp.

The camp's primary focus was cancer screening and general health checkup for various types of cancer.

A comprehensive team was available to address additional health concerns, with specialised departments in General Medicine (for general health issues), Ophthalmology (for eye-related concerns), Optometry (for vision testing), Speech and Hearing (for individuals of all ages), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (for women’s health), and specific tests like the breast cancer & pap smear test. Medication was also provided to attendees. The programme was compered by Dr Laveena D'Mello, OCDS.