“I’m extremely grateful to Gulf Medical University, Thumbay University Hospital and Thumbay Dental Hospital, Ajman for conducting this free camp to the much-needed worker population in this area. You have provided a comprehensive check-up along with opportunity for affordable follow-up”, said the owner of Mushairef Roastery located in Al Jurf Industrial area, Ajman. His warehouse formed the venue of a ‘Health Awareness and Risk Detection camp’ conducted on February 22, 2023 with active participation by the medical, dental and public health program students and interns, supported by staff members from Thumbay University Hospital and Thumbay Dental Hospital, Ajman.
The event was supervised by Dr. Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil and Dr. Jayadevan Sreedharan, faculty from Department of Community Medicine, and involved doctors and dentists from Thumbay University Hospital and Thumbay Dental Hospital respectively. Students and interns were involved in primarily assessing the anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI), blood pressure recording, dental check-up and blood sugar estimation of the workers. They were then assessed by a General Practitioner who referred them to a Specialist for follow-up, if required.
The medical students involved found this opportunity helpful in orientating them towards health needs of people at primary care level, and to bring health awareness to communities that have less access to basic healthcare services. They learnt about resource planning, teamwork, empathy, self-efficacy, leadership and other attributes of a doctor. They were able to hone their communication skills despite language barriers, which is one of the most desired qualities that is not taught, but need to be learnt over time, on-the-go!
The health camp provided the organizers an opportunity to assess the health needs of the community, diagnose the disease burden, and help the community avail quality primary healthcare services at their doorstep. They also gained an insight into the incidence of lifestyle diseases. Any new cases detected were provided health education as a preventive strategy, and promptly referred to Specialists care for follow-up.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability is an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, reflected Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.
