Medical Camps Reach 1,700 in Chhattisgarh and Orissa

Believers Church Bilaspur Diocese held medical camps in needy villages of Chhattisgarh and Orissa from 5th to 14th October 2010.

Over this period of time, a team of medical professionals was able to reach out to almost 1,700 people, ranging from an infant of five days old to a woman claiming to be 100 years old. The team included the director of Believers Church medical department, Dr. Daniel Johnson.

The team stayed in Bilaspur, and each morning they would travel to the village selected for that day’s medical camp. It took between a half hour to four hours to reach the villages.

On arrival, the team would set up the place and make necessary arrangements. There would be a reception table to enter the names of patients, doctors’ tables with basic equipment and a small pharmacy where medicine was issued and vitamins distributed.

On average, the medical team saw about 300 people a day. However, in one place, the team was able to help more than 500 people. The camp at that particular place did not end until 8:30 PM, and the medical team checked the patients by candlelight when the electricity went out.

A vast majority of children checked at the camps had symptoms of malnutrition—such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiencies—and also signs of heavy worm infestations. The team gave the necessary treatment to these children and medication to treat worms, along with a large dose of Vitamin A. They also showed a health education DVD to teach them how to wash their hands.

Many females including teenagers and young mothers showed symptoms of anemia. They were all given vitamin supplements to provide them with iron, folic acid and other essential nutrients.

These camps brought medical aid to many who do not have the opportunity to have illnesses diagnosed or treated. They also provided nutrients and education to effectively prevent disease before it starts. These are only some of the many ways Believers Church offers poverty-stricken villagers hope all over South Asia.