Over 300 patients screened at cancer camp in Doraha
Organised by charities in association with local administration
At least 323 patients were examined during a free cancer awareness camp organised by charitable organisations in association with the Doraha Municipal Council and the local administration, said officials.
The World Cancer Care Organisation, OT Transformative Foundation and Vatrukh Foundation were among the organisers of the camp at Guru Nanak National College here.
According to the organisers, the camp’s primary objective was to promote early detection of the disease, cancer awareness and preventive healthcare.
Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, chairperson, OT Transformative Foundation, said continuous awareness drives and regular health camps are essential for strengthening preventive healthcare. She added that the foundation continues to focus on extending essential healthcare services to rural and subaltern communities.
“We are happy that we got a very positive response in Doraha. A total of 323 beneficiaries, including 194 women, availed the comprehensive screening, referrals and health education during the camp. A total of 235 people underwent eye screening and 227 individuals were provided free spectacles during the camp,” Dr Simarpreet went on to add.
“We are working on oral health programmes, menstrual and anaemia health initiatives, geriatric care services and community wellness drives. We have been working in collaboration with educational institutions, police and community leaders for carrying out anti-drug initiatives. We also encourage open dialogue and early support under BaatKar, a suicide prevention and mental health awareness campaign. We conduct health screening, nutritional counselling and hygiene awareness as well. Our primary consideration has always been the vulnerable and overlooked population, mainly senior citizens, jail inmates and those residing in border villages. More than 5,500 individuals have been benefitted by these initiatives so far,” she said.
Samita Kaur, founder, Vatrukh Foundation, said the camp was aimed to improving access to preventive healthcare for locals. She added that community-based initiatives encourage timely health-seeking behaviour.
Dr Dharminder Dhillon, managing director, World Cancer Care Organisation, said the camp was organised with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support under the PEHEL initiative of SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited.
Stressing upon the need for early diagnosis, he said it helps the patient as well as the doctor. “The camps have enabled quality cancer screening and awareness services. A number of patients, who were at different stages of the ailment, were treated,” he added.
