Ponda: Under the guidance of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar and in association with the Goa Cancer Society, the Indian Medical Association Bicholim, and the Ophthalmic Cell of DHS, Manipal Hospital Goa and Prasad Netralaya joined as health partners to organize a Breast Cancer Detection and Eye Health Camp today at Noorani Masjid, Kurti Ponda.
This successful health camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 114 beneficiaries, including 94 ladies and 20 gentlemen from various walks of life, all keen to benefit from the health services provided.
A total of 82 out of the 94 ladies underwent Thermalytix no-touch breast screening, a method based on computer-aided artificial intelligence and machine learning, making it a very user-friendly screening technique. Out of these 82 tests, three ladies require further evaluation. Additionally, 97 patients were screened for eye health. Out of these, 70 needed spectacles, and five were detected with cataracts.
All beneficiaries underwent blood sugar and BP checks, evaluations by doctors, eye check-ups with an auto refractor, and Thermalytix breast screening.
Present on the occasion were Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a noted oncosurgeon; Dr. Sredharan, an oncosurgeon specialized in thoracic and pediatric cancers; Dr. Medha Salkar, Chief Medical Officer (Ophthalmic Cell) Directorate of Health Services; and Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, along with all the office bearers of Jamait ul Muslamin.
Dr. Priyanka Furtado and Dr. Rakhi Malkar examined all the ladies. Ms. Kiran and her team conducted blood tests, and Ms. Vidyashree, Ms. Nagamani, and Mr. Niraj S. carried out breast screenings using Thermalytix.
In his address to the ladies, Dr. Shekhar Salkar stressed the “early diagnosis saves lives” concept and appealed to the ladies to come for check-ups early. He also emphasized the need to stay away from alcohol and tobacco, drink plenty of water, eat leafy vegetables, and stay fit.
Dr. Sredharan emphasized regular check-ups for early diagnosis and commended Jamait for holding such camps, which also raise awareness. Dr. Medha Salkar assured the provision of free spectacles for those in need from the Ophthalmic Cell. Dr. Ketan Bhatikar praised Manipal Hospital and Prasad Netralaya for their help in conducting such camps in Ponda.
Mr. Amin Mulla, President; Mr. Muhammad Mulla, Secretary; and all members of Jamait ul Muslamin, including Mr. Sajjad Mulla, President of the Muslims Association of Ponda, expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the services provided by the Goa Cancer Society, IMA Bicholim, Manipal Hospital, Prasad Netralaya, and the Ophthalmic Cell for promising free spectacles to 70 people. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives and look forward to organizing more events to promote health and wellness in the future. They also thanked all the lady volunteers of Jamait ul Muslamin Ponda who participated in today’s event.
