Health Camps for Healthy Communities: A Visual Journey

Work, study, and even play—every activity of every individual’s life is made possible only because of good health. While poor health does not discriminate between class and economic status, access to quality health care, unfortunately, does. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to Railway Children India’s outreach team members when every time they venture into the crowded lanes of several bastis, its members highlight ailments and health issues among the many other challenges that plague them. 

For these community members, exposure to risk factors, such as poor sanitary practices, polluted environs, and improper diet, are abundant, but awareness and access to medical facilities are scarce. This leads to countless physical challenges among children, women, and elderly alike. Realizing the need to address this menace head-on, team Railway Children India collaborates with generous, socially aware organizations to bring health camps to bastis. 

Let’s take a visual tour of the several health camps that have taken place across Delhi and Ghaziabad’s communities and the impact they’ve delivered. 

1. An awareness session on cervical cancer was conducted today at JJ Camp Community Center in Anand Vihar, where 14 women, 14 adolescents, and one boy participated. The session covered essential topics, including what cervical cancer is, its symptoms, the importance of timely screening, and the necessity of the HPV vaccine for prevention. The initiative was supported by team members from Jeevika NGO. Additionally, a similar awareness session was held in Kishanganj with the support of the Jeevika Health Care Foundation, where 22 women and 18 girls attended and learned about the causes and preventive measures of cervical cancer.

2. An eye camp was organized for children at the JJ Camp Community in Anand Vihar with the support of Dr. Shroff Foundation. A total of 145 children, including 101 girls and 44 boys, underwent eye examinations. As a result, 19 children will receive free eyeglasses for weak vision, while five children with serious eye conditions have been referred to the hospital for further evaluation.

3. A community health camp was successfully organized in Tulsi Nagar by Mahavir International and Railway Children India, offering essential medical services to residents. The camp provided a range of health check-ups, including blood pressure (BP), sugar, ECG, eye examinations, and general health assessments. Free medicines were also distributed to participants. A total of 243 individuals benefited from the camp, including 22 girls, 10 boys, 97 women, and 114 men. During the session, six individuals underwent ECG tests, 64 received BP and sugar check-ups, and 82 had general health screenings. Additionally, 91 eyeglasses were distributed to those in need.

4. A joint health camp was organized in Bharat Nagar, where a total of 73 community members participated, including 58 individuals from the Bhoor Bharat Nagar community (14 girls, 11 women, 26 men, and 7 boys) and 15 individuals from the Chandmari community (1 female, 6 girls, 4 boys, and 4 men). The camp focused on addressing common health concerns such as joint pain, fever, and chills. With these issues becoming increasingly prevalent, the camp provided medical attention and guidance on homeopathic remedies to help alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.

5. A heart check-up camp was conducted today in the Kishanganj community in collaboration with the Child Heart Foundation team. A total of 126 children, including 78 girls and 48 boys, participated in the screening. During the check-up, two boys were identified with a slow heartbeat. The Child Heart Foundation team will follow up with these children and their parents to discuss further evaluation and treatment options.

6. An eye camp was organized today in the Darbhanga community, where 142 children, including 77 boys and 65 girls, participated. Along with eye check-ups, children were provided with toiletry kits and nutrition packets. The camp identified six cases of serious eye conditions, such as crossed-eye problems and infections, and these children will receive further treatment. Additionally, 12 children with weak eyesight will be provided with spectacles within the next 10 to 15 days. One community member expressed appreciation, stating, “Many NGOs have come here before, but nothing happened. This is the first time such a camp has been organized.”

Railway Children India’s health camps in bastis have been met with overwhelmingly positive responses. Parents are reassured knowing their children’s health is being well cared for, while adults feel valued, knowing their well-being is a priority. Every aspect of organizing these camps—from making announcements in the narrow lanes and distributing informative booklets to facilitating doctor consultations and ensuring timely medical intervention—has been warmly welcomed. Most importantly, these camps have played a crucial role in the early detection of cataracts in senior citizens. These diagnoses are promptly followed up with free-of-cost surgeries, providing immense relief and reassurance to the community.