AROUND 100 women domestic workers have benefited from a free medical camp which focused on breast cancer awareness.
Marking the month dedicated to the cancer, which has high prevalence in the country, the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) set aside the camp for women as part of its year-long health campaign.
The event, supported by Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Centre, was held at its Manama premises yesterday.
Free medical check-ups and a breast cancer awareness class by senior resident gynaecologist Dr Sunitha Kumbla were part of the half-day programme.
ICRF initiated its medical camp series last month, aiming to offer nearly 5,000 expats – mainly low- income workers – free check-ups as part of a drive spearheaded by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
It is also part of celebrations marking 75 years of India’s independence.
While the camp is focused on Indians, other nationals will not be denied service if they are part of a group.
“Today’s camp is dedicated to women as October is breast cancer awareness month,” ICRF chairman Dr Babu Ramachandran told the GDN yesterday.
“Creating awareness is the need of the hour as many women hesitate to approach a doctor even if they notice a suspicious lump.
“ICRF aims to dispel the fears and myths associated with breast cancer.
“We are thankful to the LMRA for giving us all Covid-19 related materials including face masks, gloves, sanitisers and flyers,” he added.
Among ICRF’s public support programmes was a free monthly medical camp at labour accommodations, which was restricted since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have held five camps at three locations since September,” said ICRF general secretary Pankaj Nallur.
“The first four were for men and almost 500 expatriate labourers benefited.
“We are grateful to private hospitals for supporting us in this effort.”
The inaugural camp at the Middle East Hospital in Segaiya was opened by Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava. It covered 75 men, while the second one at Al Hilal Hospital in Salamabad covered 150 men. A total of 230 males benefited from camps at Kims Medical Centre Muharraq and Dar Al Shifa Medical Centre, Hidd.
They were subjected to routine blood sugar tests and offered specialist consultation, if needed. Participants were also provided with free food and gift hampers.
The GDN previously reported that the 200-strong ICRF volunteer team which works under the Indian Embassy’s umbrella has helped the mission in all major campaigns to help Indian nationals.
The group offered mortuary assistance to more than 500 Indian families who suffered the tragic loss of a loved one during the Covid-19 pandemic in the last 20 months.
It also distributed around 3,500 food ration boxes, more than 250 tickets (partially or fully) for stranded Indians to return home during the pandemic, medical support to more than 50 patients, 30,000 face masks and more than 12,000 antibacterial soaps and sanitisers.
Almost 90 families benefited from the group’s family welfare fund of 100,000 Indian rupees (around BD500). Financial aid was also given to families of deceased Indian labourers who earned less than BD100 per month.
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