Making Health and Hygiene Accessible to Migrant Workers
Young migrant workers at the Koyambedu market were treated to what some would deem as a rare luxury in their community, recently.
A team of doctors and nurses from Rotary Central Margret Sydney Hospital, Nanganallur, conducted a free medical check up for adolescents and young unorganised migrant workers, load workers and vendors. The workers were provided these check-ups for free — blood sugar levels, blood pressure and respiratory conditions.
“Lack of hygiene, congestion of the chest are most prevalent among these people and many complained of body pain. We have conducted certain tests and prescribed appropriate medication,” said Geetha Sarathy, who headed the team of medics at the camp. Medicines were also distributed to the patients free of cost. Students of social work from Loyola College assisted the doctors and nurses in treating the patients.
According to M Vincent Xavier, director of Don Bosco Reach Out Programme for Young at Risk, which had organised this medical camp, young migrant workers need special attention since most of them living away from their families neglect their health and hygiene. “This camp has received a good response and we have also received requests from these people to conduct more such camps for them,” he says.Don Bosco Reach Out Programme for Young at Risk aims to prepare street children and working young adults for better employment and create awareness on their dignity, rights, duties and obligations so that they could live as adequate and participative citizens in the society. This free medical camp is the first of its series of ativities in this programme.