Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 17: A significant step towards enhancing community health and emergency preparedness was taken with the successful organisation of the mega health camp and basic life support (BLS) training at the Tri-Centenary Hall, Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the Health Commission of Udupi diocese, the Indian Cancer Society, and other esteemed organisations, provided essential healthcare services and life-saving training to the local community.
The event commenced with a short but meaningful inaugural ceremony, graced by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general & rector of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur. The lighting of the traditional lamp was followed by a heartfelt hymn from the church choir, setting the perfect tone for the day.
In his address, Msgr Gonsalves praised the initiative and acknowledged the efforts of all partners and sponsors. Adding to the significance of the event, Baptist Dias, president of Rotary Club, Kallianpur, and panchayat member, attended as the guest of honour. Dr Ranjeetha Shetty highlighted the key objectives of the health camp, particularly focusing on the Well Women Clinic and the importance of continued healthcare services.
The event witnessed the active participation of several eminent personalities, including Owen Rodrigues – convenor, Health Commission, Reginald Lewis – president, Catholic Sabha, Veena Rodrigues – president, Stree Sanghatan, Milagres Cathedral, Sr Zarina Lobo – administrator, Goretti Hospital, Dr Edward Lobo – director, Health Commission, Udupi Diocese, Rtn. Dr Manoj K. Nagasampige – president, Rotary Club, Manipal Town, and Brayan D'Souza – secretary, Rotary Club, Kallianpur.
The event was meticulously coordinated by Hilda Cornelio, programme convenor & director of community service, Rotary Club, Manipal Town, ensuring seamless collaboration between organizers, sponsors, and medical teams from MAHE.
The health camp provided free medical screenings, expert consultations, and awareness sessions, equipping the community with essential knowledge and resources. Services included a free cancer screening camp conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, KMC, Manipal, which offered breast and cervical cancer screening for women aged 30–55 years and oral cancer screening for men and women aged 30–55 years, with approximately 50 participants.
Basic Life Support (BLS) hands-on training was conducted by the Department of Emergency Medicine, KMC, Manipal, covering CPR techniques, recognising early signs of heart attacks and strokes, and managing choking emergencies. Expert trainers included Dr Prithvishree, associate professor, KMC, Manipal and Dr Rachana, assistant professor, KMC, Manipal. Additionally, screening for body composition and sarcopenia was conducted by the centre for diabetic foot care & Research, MCHP, MAHE, Manipal.
The event opened with Jeevan Lewis extending a warm welcome to dignitaries, medical professionals, and attendees. Dr Edward Lobo presented fresh roses to the guests as a token of appreciation, and the stage program was beautifully compered by Prathibha Braggs, Health Commission, Kallianpur deanery.
In his vote of thanks, Owen Rodrigues, convenor of Health Commission, Milagres Cathedral, expressed sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, expert doctors, volunteers, and community leaders.
The mega health camp & BLS training successfully delivered essential healthcare services and life-saving skills to the community. By focusing on early cancer detection, emergency response training, and overall health awareness, the initiative has empowered many individuals, especially economically disadvantaged women, with crucial medical support and knowledge.
The overwhelming participation and positive impact reaffirm the necessity of such initiatives, emphasising the power of collaboration and community-driven healthcare efforts to ensure accessible healthcare and emergency preparedness for all.