India is home to 20 million orphans, which amounts to around 1.5% of India's population. Most children--99.7%-- have been orphaned on account of being abandoned by their parents. Adoption rates in India are at an all-time low.
The adoption rate within the country as well as those by foreign nationals in India has gone down by nearly 50 per cent in the last five years. "Only 1,622 children were adopted during April-September in 2014,” as per the Central Adoption Resource Agency, the agency for adoption of children in India. And thus, now, more than ever, it is essential that these children receive adequate care and support.
Fortunately, many shelter homes and orphanages have stepped up to the plate to provide an adequate support system. One amongst them is St. Catherine's Shelter Home, Andheri (W), which houses orphans, at-risk children and old people. At St. Catherine’s, a health camp, 'Svasthya', was organized by Kshamta, the Social Responsibility Forum of Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, sponsored by Asha Khetan Diagnostic Centre, in association with Pushpak Diagnostics, Maa Nursing Home and Netrajyoti Eyecare Centre and Dental Experts.
The main aim of the camp was to help the patients in need by providing on-spot diagnosis and treatment. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a battery of tests were conducted on children with the help of many doctors who kindly volunteered their services for the camp – Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Dr. Amrin Halal, Dr. Krishna Mahendra Rita, Dr. Afreen Khan, Dr. Resham Dinesh Parikh and Dr. Roohi Ali.
210 children and 10 elders underwent tests. For children, the tests conducted were:
1. Eye tests
2. Dental tests
3. Skin tests
4. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Amongst children, eye related disorders were most commonly diagnosed. For elders, memory tests and physiotherapy were also conducted in addition to the above mentioned tests.
Calcium supplements were provided and stationary items such as notebooks and pencils, along with bedsheets were donated.
Date: 4th October
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Venue: St. Catherine’s Shelter Home, Andheri (W)
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