emids sponsored a free health camp in Bellary.
India is making a name as a centre for medical tourism. However, for thousands of people who live in India’s small towns and villages, access to affordable, high-quality healthcare is still a challenge.
Bridging the gap was a free health camp organised at Bellary (Northern Karnataka) from 6-8 Jan, 2017, to meet the needs of the underserved villages in the region. The event was organised by Shirdi Sai Seva Satsanga Trust, and sponsored by emids Technologies Pvt Ltd. Employees from emids also volunteered to help with registration at the health camp.
Enthusiasm runs high
Since word about the camp had been spread in almost 165 villages around Bellary, a huge crowd of patients had turned up even before the inauguration ceremony on 6th Jan. The 14 volunteers from emids were tasked with managing the registration, distributing food coupons, and directing the people to the right speciality doctors.
“The biggest challenge was to manage the crowds waiting in queues. There were few volunteers who were not aware of the local language. But none of these challenges posed hurdles, as we were well equipped and fully prepared for this challenging task right from the beginning,” says Saurabh Shukla, an emids volunteer.
The enthusiasm was so high, that even the bus driver who had driven the emids team from Bangalore to Bellary pitched in to help at the registration counter. This, after having driven till 3.30 am that morning!
After registration, people were guided to the relevant teams of doctors, based on their specific health condition. The camp had 33 doctors and 50+ nurses coming from different parts of the state, offering services in ENT, ophthalmology, cardiology, gynaecology, neurology, dental care, surgery, limb transplant, etc. Arrangements were in place for lab testing, pharmacy, and ambulance services too. Food and beverages were provided to all the patients, volunteers, doctors, and the visitors.
Giving back, getting back too.
On the very first day, the camp attracted around 1800 registrations. At the end of the three days, more than 2,800 people had been provided free health check-up and medication. Says Arnab Chowdhury from emids, “For me there was a deeper sense of satisfaction in being able to touch so many lives in a positive way over the course of the day. The good wishes that we received from people whom we helped was an overwhelming experience.”
With such an enthusiastic response from people who needed the healthcare facilities, as well as from the company’s volunteers, emids is now planning to support more such events. “We chose this event in particular as it was in-line with our CSR vision which entails supporting the weaker sections of the society for their basic healthcare needs,” says Seema Tonashyal, the company’s CSR coordinator. There’ll be greater thrust on employee volunteerism too, to make the social outreach efforts inclusive and give employees a chance to make a difference to society.
After all, as Jaylaxmi Singh from emids says, “I believe one person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
