Specialized Eye Camp and General Medical Check-up Camp Successful

A Specialized Eye and General Medical Check-up Camp was successfully organized at Koyambedu Periyar Vegetable Market, benefiting over 180 shop vendors, load workers, drivers, buyers, and members of the general public. The camp provided essential health consultations and screening services to those who often lack regular access to quality healthcare.

This community healthy initiative was a collaborative effort by Jaibeem Laborer and Small Traders Welfare Society, ACS Medical College and Hospital, SRM Dental College and Hospital (Kattankulathur), United Legal Rights Organisation – ASIA, BASE Trust , Abhay Dan Trust (New Delhi), and Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), aimed at extending healthcare access to marginalized communities and surrounding areas.

The camp was inaugurated by Mr. V. Selva Kumar, who also mentioned the services offered during the event. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. A.J. Hariharan, Secretary – ICWO, who stated: “While only consultations and basic medications were provided on-site, patients requiring further treatment were referred to affiliated hospitals for follow-up care.” He expressed heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ravi Ranganathan, Director – Programmes, CBM India Trust, and Mr. Sathish Nagappan, CBM India Trust, for their invaluable guidance and support. He also announced that ICWO plans to conduct many more such camps in the future.

Mr. V. Selva Kumar, Social Activist and Representative – Jai Bhim Workers and Small Traders Welfare Association, shared that the Association, established in 2022, has implemented various welfare schemes for traders. So far, 188 members have benefited from Central Government schemes, and interest-bearing loan issues amounting to ₹5 crore have been resolved. On World Environment Day, the Association distributed free Manjappai to the public. Highlighting the camp’s importance, he added: “In and around Koyambedu Market, nearly 10,000 people work daily, yet most do not prioritize their health. Many have no safe place to stay and sleep near their shops, often facing mosquito and insect bites. We arranged this camp for their welfare, and today over 100 people have already benefited from health check-ups — and people are still coming in.”

Also present were Mrs. Saroja, DBS Traders – Koyambedu Vegetable Market; Ms. K. Ushakumari , District Women’s Team Secretary – Tirupattur, ULRO–ASIA; and students from CTT College, led by their professor Mrs. Yogitha , who actively supported camp operations.

Mr. K.K.J. Solomon , State Camp Consultant & Co-ordinator, Secretary – BASE Trust, said:“Since its inception in 2010, BASE Trust has conducted 222 eye and general medical check-up camps, benefiting over 1,000 people through surgeries. Our vision is to make Tamil Nadu a completely sighted state by 2030, starting with Tiruvallur as a model district. We also actively promote awareness about eye donation.”

Mr. V. Kamalakannan, M.A., B.L., Advocate and Law Consultant, shared:“United Legal Rights Organisation – Asia, founded in 2010, works with the concept ‘Let’s plant trees to protect water resources and preserve soil.’ We have nurtured 5,000 saplings in Yelagiri, Tirupattur, and Vaniyambadi, and have organized several medical camps for public welfare.”

Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative. A vegetable vendor, Mr. Muthu (65), said: "I have been working here for 15 years but never had a proper health check-up. Today, I found out my blood sugar is high now I will take medication."

Mrs. Lakshmi (55), a flower seller, shared: "The free eye screening helped me realize I need spectacles. It will make my work much easier. The doctors advised me to visit the hospital, where I can get them at a much-discounted price."

A load worker, Mr. Rajendran (42), added: "Due to a lack of health awareness, we never attended any medical camps. But today, we had the chance to participate. This camp came to our workplace, so we could check our health without losing a day’s earnings."

The success of the camp was made possible through strong community mobilization by the Jaibeem Laborer and Small Traders Welfare Society and Mrs. Saroja, DBS Traders, Koyambedu Vegetable Market. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, partner organizations, medical professionals, volunteers, and local leaders whose dedicated efforts made this initiative a meaningful stride toward inclusive and accessible healthcare for all.