Bagamoyo Free Medical Camp 2012...A Huge Success
The Press Release of the successful Bagamoyo Free Medical Camp held on 18th March 2012
23 March, 2012, Bagamoyo. Over 700 persons were examined free at a medical camp at Kerege Matumbi Primary School in Bagamoyo, organized on March 18, 2012, by the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay, in partnership with the Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital and Kidz Care Tanzania.
Malaria, HIV, Hyper Tension, Diabetes, ENT (ear, nose and throat) and eye examinations were done by a team of 40 doctors and support staff from Aga Khan University, Tanzania Diabetes Association, Muhimbili Medical Centre, the Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital and the Hubert Kairuki Medical University.
Free medication and spectacles were given to people diagnosed with relevant health and eyesight problems. Participants also received a general health checkup to identify other common ailments and risk factors, and counseling was provided on life-style factors such as nutrition and the importance of exercise.
People with medical issues that could not be addressed on-site were given official referrals to Bagamoyo District Hospital for further attention. Six patients, including a six-month-old baby suffering from pneumonia, were rushed to Bagamoyo District Hospital for treatment.
“I cannot put into words just how rewarding this camp was for all the Rotarians and volunteers involved,” said Mr. Maninder Lamba, President of Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay. “‘Service Above Self’ is a fundamental tenet of Rotary, and we all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to coordinate an event that helped so many people in need,” he said.
People waiting in line for their turn were entertained by a drama troupe from Comunita' Volontari per il Mondo (CVM) specializing in entertainment-based health education presented an energizing and educational performance about the importance and methods of HIV and malaria prevention. Free mosquito nets were given to those in the highest risk groups: children under five, pregnant women and people over 55 years of age.
“This event would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of over 60 volunteers, doctors and other supporting staff members,” said Mr. Thomas Scherer, the Rotary Club’s Service Projects Committee Director. “This was our second medical camp, and with each camp we learn more and gain valuable insight on how to make the camps more efficient and more impactful. We look forward to organizing more camps in other locations where the need is highest, and access to proper medical care is limited,” he said.
The cost of the medical camp was covered by the Club’s fundraising activities, including sponsorships from Tigo, D B Shaparyia Ltd and CMC Automobiles.
“Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to provide all tests, counseling and medical services free of charge,” said Mr. Lamba.
“Good health is one of our basic needs,” said Mr. Diego Gutierrez, Consumer/Deputy General Manager at Tigo. “By focusing on providing information and medical assistance to those who are most disadvantaged, we play a role in making a difference in their lives,” he said.
About Rotary
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotarians are business leaders who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education, promote peace, and eradicate polio. Our motto is “Service Above Self”.
The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay welcomes new members. To learn more about the club, its members and its philanthropic activities throughout Tanzania, visit www.rotarydar.com.
About Tigo
Tigo is the first cellular network in Tanzania, started operations in 1994 and is Tanzania’s most affordable and innovative mobile phone operator. Tigo is part of Millicom International Cellular S.A (MIC) and provides affordable, widely accessible and readily available prepaid cellular telephony services to more than 30 million customers in 13 emerging markets in Africa and Latin America.
The success of Tigo is based on the "Triple A" strategy which stands for Affordability, Accessibility and Availability. We create a world where mobile services are affordable, accessible and available everywhere and to all. This guarantees that our subscribers experience the best services at the most affordable rates throughout our 26 regions in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, visit www.tigo.co.tz.