Free Medical Camp Research Articles

Kabiraj Laxman Mishra: A pioneer of Ayurveda and social welfare in Odisha

Abstract Kabiraj Laxman Mishra, a prominent figure in the field of Ayurveda in Odisha, India, dedicated his life to serving patients from low socio-economic backgrounds throughout the region. Born in January 1900 into a Brahmin family, he received his foundational education at Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya, renowned for its emphasis on moral values and formal learning. He subsequently graduated from Ravenshaw College in Cuttack and began his career in the police department during British rule in Odisha. However, his profound passion for Ayurveda and his fascination with the healing properties of herbs used by tribal communities inspired him to explore and promote traditional herbal medicine for the benefit of ordinary individuals. After retiring from government service, Mishra authored several books in the Odia language addressing various ailments and their Ayurvedic remedies. He established his pharmacy to prepare medicines based on his extensive experience and tested herbal combinations. His legacy continues through his son, the late Kabiraj Ganesh Mishra, and his wife, Dr. Smt. Sailabala Devi, who currently provides treatment at their residence in Puri. In addition to his contributions to Ayurveda, Kabiraj Laxman Mishra played a significant administrative role within the Temple Administration of the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri. He served as the President of the Governing Body Council of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and as Chairperson of the Governing Body Council of Samanta Chandra Sekhar College of Puri. In recognition of his impactful work, he was awarded the title of Ayurveda Siromani in 1987 by the Nikhila Utkala Ayurveda Baidya Sammilani. A committed social worker, Mishra also organized free medical camps to provide essential healthcare services to individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Immunization Status of Children in Urban Slums of Rawalpindi and Barriers to Immunization

Objective: To determine immunization status of children residing in urban slums of Rawalpindi and identify the barriers to immunization. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Slums of Takht Pari, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Mar 2020. Methodology: Children, aged 12-23 months, residing at Takht Pari were enrolled. Two sessions of a free medical camp were arranged at Takht Pari by Department of Community Medicine, Foundation University, Islamabad. Data was collected from parents visiting the medical camp with the mother labelled as the primary respondent. Immunization cards and mother’s recall were used to assess the immunization status of children. Results: Two hundred ninety-one (72.9%) children were completely immunized, partially immunized were 106(26.6%) while 2(0.5%) were unimmunized. Three hundred eighty-eight (97.2%) children were vaccinated through government centers while those who received vaccination through private clinics were 9(2.3%). Factors associated with incomplete immunization were education of parents (p<0.001), number of children (p<0.001), gender of child (p=0.001), access to TV or Radio (p<0.001), and site of immunization (government/private) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Immunization status of 73% shows that unremitting efforts are essential for attaining universal coverage of immunization with extra attention to underprivileged areas. Planning and placement of public facilities for preventive services needs to be an urgent priority improving service utilization and enhancing coverage as people tend to follow ease of accessibility for using immunization services.

Aarogya Margdarsh- Medical Camp Related Mobile App

In few Rural Areas, people don’t have access to the better medical treatment for the diseases and most of the people can’t afford to get treatment in private hospitals. Even though several free Medical Camps are being conducted, most of the people are unaware of these Medical Camps’ Venues and timings. So, many people are ending up without utilizing the resources. To Overcome this problem, this EPICS Project proposes a novel, a Mobile Application called “Aarogya Margdarsh”, which provides an interface between patients and medical camp organizers and provides the information about the Free Medical Camps provided by Hospitals, Medical Colleges, NGOs etc. The project is divided into various modules like database collection, message alerts. The details of date, time and venues of free Medical Camps organized by all these Organizations is collected and it is provided to the users through the Mobile Application. The App satisfies the user in such a way that the user gets the detailed information about Medical Camps well in advance. This is also useful to Medical Camp organizers such that their humanitarian efforts will be well utilized by patients.

Perceptions of volunteers on the effectiveness of Kenya Medical Training College-run free medical camps in enhancing access to healthcare by vulnerable communities

In certain regions of Kenya, such as Nyahururu, Kabarnet, Kasikeu, and Mbooni, inadequate access to healthcare services contributes to avoidable deaths. Organizations like the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) address this challenge by organizing free medical camps, involving both local and international volunteer healthcare workers. This study explored the effectiveness of KMTC's free medical camps through interviews with 18 key informants, including faculty, non-faculty members, and community leaders from purposefully sampled hardship areas, namely, Nyahururu, Kabarnet, Kasikeu, and Mbooni. The study found that KMTC's free clinics offered crucial services like curative care, immunization, maternal and child health services, disease sensitization, reproductive health services, and substance abuse education. However, limitations were identified, including a shortage of medications, lack of specialized screening, follow-up care, and referral services. Resources available included community health volunteers, KMTC and hospital staff, socio-structural support, and physical infrastructure. Challenges faced by volunteers included motivation issues, inadequate facilitation, limited stakeholder involvement in planning, and perceived service comprehensiveness issues. Despite these challenges, the community acknowledged the vital role of medical camps in delivering essential services to marginalized groups. Addressing resource shortages, enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving service comprehensiveness, and boosting volunteer motivation were highlighted as crucial steps to maximize community benefits.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B & C in a General Population

Introduction: Hepatitis is characterized by the inflammation of the liver creating swelling and in numerous cases permanent damage to liver tissue. The foremost common types of Hepatitis are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Both Hepatitis B and C can lead to lasting liver damage and in numerous cases ‘death’. In all over the world around 300 million individuals are contaminated with hepatitis B infection, and 75% of Hepatitis C infection. The significance of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is outlined by the truth that these infections are forcing a overwhelming burden on national economy and person families due to considerable morbidity and mortality from both acute contamination and persistent sequelae including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective: To determine the frequency of Hepatitis B & C in a general population of Rawalpindi Material and Methods Study Design: Quantitative cross sectional Duration: Three months i.e. 1st January 2022 to 30th March 2022 Data Collection procedure: There were 400 subjects were reported in two different regions of Rawalpindi in a free medical camp in which 241 were males and 159 were females. All subjects were asked about previous screening of hepatitis B & C and family history regarding any previous infection. After taking informed consent and briefing collect the blood sample in a tube. Results: Among 400 subjects the overall prevalence of Hepatitis B and C was 6.4%. 2.4% males and 1.2% females were in HBV infection whereas 1.6% males and 1.2% females in HCV infection. Conclusion: This study audits predominance of HBV and HCV in two different ranges of Rawapindi Pakistan, along with awareness status, risk factors in Pakistani population. Prevalence of HBV and HCV contamination shifts with population residing totally different regions of Pakistan. Keywords: Prevalence, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Population

People Perception Towards the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Provision of Health Facilities: Pragmatic Facts from Swat-Pakistan

This study entitled the people perception towards the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the provision of health facilities in district Swat, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan" was conducted with objectives to measure the attitude of the target population about the NGOs intervention in the study area through pre and post-relationship on health facilities". A sample size of 230 out of 450 populations was selected through a simple random sampling procedure. The study concluded that the number of disabled centers increased, hygiene kits and sanitation kits were distributed, medical teams/doctors and medicines were provided by NGOs, mosquito nets distributed, the establishment of BHUs, mobile hospitals, and free medical camps were increased post-NGOs intervention as a significant change with the level of satisfaction of the locals. Based on the findings of the study, extend projects to other far plunged and neglected areas while incorporating all felt needs of the locals.

Patients' Anticipation for the Pharmacies of Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan.

Background: Community pharmacies are an integrated part of healthcare systems worldwide. In low and middle income countries like Pakistan, the paradigm of pharmacy practice is shifting from dispensing medicines to clinical activities. There are disparities in these practices according to location. Pharmacies in urban localities are better than those in rural areas. This qualitative study was conducted to explore patients’ expectations and current practices in rural pharmacies. Methods: A cohort of adult pharmacy visitors (aged > 18 years) that reside in rural community was selected. Consenting participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique until thematic saturation level was achieved. A total of 34 patients were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. All the data were transcribed and used to originate the themes. Results: On analysis, a total of 20 themes were obtained. Sixteen themes pronounced the current provided services. Four themes provided some suggestions for the development of better pharmacies. On call services to provide medicines, limited free extended pharmacy services, interest in patients’ wellbeing, appropriate referral, vaccination, free medical camp, medical services at home, first aid, and counseling were appreciated by patients. Patients stated that medicines are inappropriately stored in unhygienic conditions, prices of medicines are comparatively high, and medicines are substandard. Unavailability of medicines, inept dispensing, limited staffing with poor knowledge, limited working hours, and quackery promotion are challenges in rural pharmacy practice. Patients say that non marginal pricing, informative services, new legislation, and proper vigilance by officials can improve the pharmacy services in rural communities. Conclusions: Patients alleged that rural pharmacies perform deprived practices. To improve service, new legislation and the proper implementation of existing law is needed.

Factors Influencing Hypertension Prevalence in Patients Attending Hypertensive Clinic in Siaya County Referral Hospital, Kenya

This study focused on the factors influencing hypertension prevalence among patients attending a hypertensive clinic in Siaya County Referral Hospital. Cross-Sectional descriptive study design was employed and the researcher collected both qualitative and quantitative first-hand information from the key informants and hypertensive patients respectively. The study targeted 34o hypertensive patients attending the hypertensive clinic in the county hospital, Krejcie and Morgan sampling frame was used to arrive at a sample of181patients who were then obtained through simple random sampling. The study used key informant interview guides and questionnaires to collect the data. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using measures of central tendency, frequencies and percentages and inferentially through Spearman Correlation. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study found out that demographic characteristics and attitude on hypertension had an insignificant negative influence on hypertension prevalence. Knowledge and social-economic characteristics had significantly negative influence on the prevalence of hypertension. The study recommends that the government and the various agencies like the NGOs and mass media should intensify campaigns that are aimed at increasing the knowledge, awareness, education and information concerning hypertension and its effects. Finally, there is a need for both the county and the national government to come up with health support programs, including subsidized medicare, increasing free medical camps and provision of affordable health insurance covers that would cater for patients of low socio-economic status to enable them access medical care.

Future Research Priorities for Morbidity Control of Lymphedema.

Background:Innovation in the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema has received low priority from the governments and pharmaceutical industry. Advancing lymphedema is irreversible and initiates fibrosis in the dermis, reactive changes in the epidermis and subcutis. Most medical treatments offered for lymphedema are either too demanding with a less than satisfactory response or patients have low concordance due to complex schedules. A priority setting partnership (PSP) was established to decide on the future priorities in lymphedema research.Methods:A table of abstracts following a literature search was published in workshop website. Stake holders were requested to upload their priorities. Their questions were listed, randomized, and sent to lymphologists for ranking. High ranked ten research priorities, obtained through median score, were presented in final prioritization work shop attended by invited stake holders. A free medical camp was organized during workshop to understand patients’ priorities.Results:One hundred research priorities were selected from priorities uploaded to website. Ten priorities were short listed through a peer review process involving 12 lymphologists, for final discussion. They were related to simplification of integrative treatment for lymphedema, cellular changes in lymphedema and mechanisms of its reversal, eliminating bacterial entry lesions to reduce cellulitis episodes, exploring evidence for therapies in traditional medicine, improving patient concordance to compression therapy, epidemiology of lymphatic filariasis (LF), and economic benefit of integrative treatments of lymphedema.Conclusion:A robust research priority setting process, organized as described in James Lind Alliance guidebook, identified seven priority areas to achieve effective morbidity control of lymphedema including LF. All stake holders including Department of Health Research, Government of India, participated in the PSP.

PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN THE RURAL AREAS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Objective: To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factorsin the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methodology: This was a community based cross sectional study carried out,from February 2011 to July 2013. We evaluated healthy subjects following theWHO Stepwise approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS).Individual consent was obtained. Data was collected on proforma prepared in thelight ofWHOcore version 2.1, during a free medical camp campaign. Social class(Upper, Middle, Lower) was assigned to each participant based on theiroccupation. The variables recorded were pertinent clinical history, BP, body massindex (BMI), waist circumference, tobacco use, dietary habits, physical activity,Random Blood Sugar and total Cholesterol. Data was analyzed using SPSSversion 16. Results: A total of 2569 adults were analyzed. Mean age was 45.97 ±12.1 (25-64) years. Prevalence of hypertension (BP 140/90) was 26.7% with 11.1%newly diagnosed cases. Mean BMI & waist circumference were 23.64 ±2.69(17-35) and 86.30 ±7.98 (70-108), respectively with abdominal obesity moreprevalent in females (21.7% vs. 18%, p<0.0001). Prevalence of DM was 7.9%,more in male 4.6%, with 2.1% newly diagnosed cases. Tobacco use and Physicalinactivity was 24.4% and 23.6% respectively. Positive CVD family history waspresent in 11.9%. Conclusion: There is higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the rural populationof Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Importance of Free Medical Camps in Exposing Rural Communities&amp;apos; Dental Health Issues and Mitigating Morbidity Associated with Dental Caries

Background: The study was conducted at IL-polei in Laikipia North, Kenya. The study aimed at determining the susceptibility to dental caries and oral health status, targeting children and teenagers between the ages of 3-17 years old attending a medical camp in the month of September in 2014. The study was designed as a community based cross-sectional descriptive study where questionnaires were administered to children, the guardians and parents of the children attending the dental section of the medical camp. The clean and verified data was then entered into an Excel computer database and later transferred into SPSS for analysis. Results: A total of 256 children and teenagers were interviewed, medically examined and saliva samples were successful transported to microbiology lab in KeMU. As observed none had a routine visits to a dentist and the practices related to oral hygiene were not satisfactory. The prevalence of dental caries gradually increased with age and those who were highly susceptible to dental caries were teenagers older than 12 years of age (71.9%). Males had a clinically higher prevalence of caries (75%) than females. Also noted was that an ancient practice of using stick brushes is still the preferred method of choice for cleaning teeth (75.6%). The physical observation of decayed teeth was collaborated by the laboratory findings. Oral health personnel were absent in the rural clinics and dispensaries and hence played no major role (2.4%) in educating the community on dental hygiene. Conclusion: we need to strengthen community based dental care services for children and teenagers in IL-Polei and other rural centres with similar characteristics. The study has demonstrated that oral health problems are still predominant in the rural areas where dental services are neglected. In addition, medical camp organisers should also add onto their list of the services, items and activities that will encourage the implementation of good oral health practices because such activities can help in elimination of potential oral health issues before they become a problem and cause future suffering in children.

Comparison of three techniques for tonsillectomy during free medical camps in Yemen

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare four different surgical techniques for tonsillectomy during free medical camps in Yemen, regarding type of anesthesia, complication rates, operative time, and cost of the operation. This prospective study was conducted from April 2006 to December 2011. There were 12 280 patients who underwent tonsillectomy in 26 hospitals in different Yemeni governorates, and operations were performed in 46 free medical camps. Under general anesthesia, we performed traditional dissection techniques (TDTs) and bipolar diathermy technique. Under local anesthesia, tonsillectomies were performed using TDT and guillotine excision technique. Of the 12 280 tonsillectomies patients, 53.7% were male patients and 46.3% were female patients. The median age of the patients was 11.5 years (range 3–30 years). Under general anesthesia, 6639 (54.1%) tonsillectomies were performed; of these, 86.1% were performed by TDT, whereas 13.9% were performed by bipolar diathermy technique. Under local anesthesia, 5641 (45.9%) tonsillectomies were performed; of these, 81% were performed by TDT, whereas 19% were performed by guillotine excision technique. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was low in patients operated by TDT as compared with the other techniques. No significant differences were found in operative time between the four surgical techniques. The costs of tonsillectomy ranged between 30 and 37$. The TDT is the most common method performed in the free medical camps, is handy, favorite, less costly, and comfortable for our patients, and is suitable for our work environments, experiences, and equipments. We recommend this technique for the same circumstances as a day-case tonsillectomy. Although less postoperative hemorrhage was observed in traditional surgery under general anesthesia, surgery under local anesthesia is safer and less costly.

AWARENESS OF PEOPLE TO ATTEND FREE MEDICAL CAMP CONDUCTED IN SOUTH INDIAN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Prevention and treatment of medical issues are the main task of a health service at a youth camp . However, only few reports about organization and implementation of camp health care are available. This makes it difficult for future camp directors to plan and estimate the health care needed for a certain camp size. Keeping this in mind, a prospective study was conducted in Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (Tertiary Care hospital) between April 8 th to 12 th , 2013 on the occasion of World Health Day 2013 in order to assess the awareness of people in attending free medical camp. In this study we found tha t about 267 patients attended the camp. Among those about 155 (61.50 %) were males and about 97 (38.49 %) were females. Among males the highest percentages of males were in the age group of 41 - 50 years (29.03 %) and among females the highest percentage wer e in the age group of 31 - 40 years (30.92 %). The lowest age recorded was 10 months and the highest age recorded was 95 years. The Standard Deviation (S.D) of age for males was found to be 35.90 years and for the females was 9.10

Pattern of Otorhinolaryngological Diseases at Rural Medical Camps in Far Western Region of Nepal

Introduction: Nepal army has been organizing free medical camp in various parts of Nepal since many years. The free medical camp is committed to improve global health care in rural parts of Nepal. This study was conducted to describe the demographic and ENT-HNS diseases among the patients attending medical camps in two rural parts of far western region of Nepal (Humla-Simikot and Muggu- Talcha) Methods: Retrospective studies of all the patients attending ENT-HNS clinic of Simikot and Talcha medical camp from October 12th to October 16th 2011 were evaluated. Each patient was assessed by consultant ENT-Head and Neck surgeon. Only adult age group patient were included in the study. The disease was divided into four group i.e otology (ear disease), rhinology (nose disease), head and neck (throat disease) and normal finding groups. Results: Total numbers of 213 patients were analyzed in Simikot and 167 patients in Talcha. Among them otology group were 80 patients (37.5%), rhinology 57patients (26.7%), head and neck 55patients (25.82%) and 21 patients (9.85%) had normal findings in Simikot. Similarly in Talcha the patients were 84(50.29%) in otology, 22(13.17%) in rhinology, 49(29.34%) in head and neck and12 (7.1%) with normal findings respectively. Conclusions: Chronic otitis media (CSOM) is the most common ENT problems in both the rural areas. One of the major causes of hearing loss is CSOM so improvement of socioeconomic status and health care facilities will also be helpful in reducing the prevalence of CSOM.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/29-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7906