Arogya’16

“Arogya’16” was the first healthcare project conducted by the Leo Club of University of Colombo which was held on 6^th September 2016. The project was implemented in Kadawath-Rambewa village which is situated in a far-off and impassable area in Anuradhapura district. The main focus of “Arogya’16” was to share knowledge about common health issues and uplift the physical and mental health of the villagers.

As the initial step we decided to conduct a medical camp in Kadawath-Rambewa as the idea of Leo Harsha Arampath and through discussions with him we became aware that it was a far-off and impassable area which really needed our patronage. We start up this project by sending a request letter to Regional Director of Health Service, Anuradhapura. We were able to get huge support from Development Officers at A.G. Office at 

Medawachchiya, Grama-Seva officer, the Police to inform villagers about the medical camp.

At the pilot visit we could reveal that people face many difficulties when obtaining   heath care services in that area due to the huge distance to hospital in Medawachchiya and the lack of transport and other infrastructure facilities. Also we found that 235 families live in Kadawath - Rabewa and most of the people are minor income. Hence we were able to identify that what they really wanted in terms of health and what we can do, in order to overcome those healthcare difficulties in Medawachchiya area. 

1.   Advertising Campaign

Distribution of leaflets, banners and using speakers to announce villagers about the medical camp on 1^st of September & 5^th of September, 2016

 

 

1.   Medical Program

Main activity of our project was the medical program that has scheduled to execute with blood pressure and sugar checkups, eye and dental clinic and kidney checkups for participants. We recorded that 200 patients have participated and 08 doctors and 16 medical staff members have given their contribution for Arogya project.

Our pilot visit revealed that this was the main health issue in this area. Therefore we arranged a separate clinic for kidney checkups and almost all the participants went through that checkup.

Another important section in medical camp was eye clinic. Patients were treated from required treatments and medical advises by the oculist. According to our records 73 of participants were treated from eye clinic.

Most of both children and adults are suffering from dental problems due to lack of good dental health habits. Therefore dental clinic was very supportive for participants to identify their health problems and necessary treatments for them.

People were tending to aware about their level of blood pressure and diabetics. Therefore participants were checked their blood pressure and sugar levels by medical staff members. They have been given both medicines and also awareness about those diseases by doctors.

Suvanari clinic focused to provide knowledge on cancers and early prevention treatments for ladies. Height and weight calculations alto took place in the medical camp.

Along with the medical camp our members conducted an awareness program for the students of the school about the good habits and health tips. It was included the team building activities, physical exercise program and fun games as well.

·        Distribution of Stationery

We have distributed stationery for 62 students and that included the following items.

-Exercise books

           -Drawing books                     

-Pastel boxes              

-Erasers & sharpeners                         

-Rulers                        

          -Pens and Pencils

Further we were able to treat every participant with a nutritious meal. It was nicely arranged by preparing Kadala, Munata, Kawpi by us. Also together hands with Unilever, we were able to donate a water purifier to the school. We think it is very beneficial for them to prevent kidney problems. 

Further we decided to donate important first aid items to the school.With the support of Clogard, we were able to distribute the Clogard toothpaste packets to participants on that day. In order to give more awareness on good health habits, we distributed leaflet on good health habits for participants. Further we tried to improve good health habits among the students by hanging some notices in school premises.

After the medical camp, the principal and staff of the school and the villagers arranged a vote of thanks and shared their true feelings about the project. Students of the school were extremely happy to have new stationeries and they enjoyed the programs which we were conducted. We had a nice time with them and it added a lifelong memory to us. Arogya’16 was completed successfully because of the great effort, passion and courage of everyone. We left Anuradhapura with the objective of initiating another community service.