Social Accountability and Community Engagement is part of the mission and vision of Gulf Medical University, Ajman. GMU believes that it is responsible for the health and wellness of its immediate community where it is located. In an effort to translate this very vision and mission into reality, GMU conducts various health awareness campaigns and health-risk screening programs in and around Ajman.
One such campaign was conducted on February 27, 2023 at Al Qarayen School, Ajman for the teachers, staff, and parents of their students with active participation of medical students, dental interns and public health program students, under the supervision of Dr. Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil and Dr. Jayadevan Sreedharan, both faculty from the Department of Community Medicine, with active support from Thumbay University Hospital and Thumbay Dental Hospital.
The purpose of the camp was to raise awareness about the common health issues and provide guidance on how to maintain good health. Risk factor screening was done for early identification of their risk factors, which would enable them to take necessary steps to prevent or manage them, and improve their overall health.
The healthcare team conducted free health check-ups for the participants which included checking height, weight and BMI, blood pressure measurement, blood sugar estimation and a comprehensive dental check-up. This was followed by consultation with a licensed General Practitioner, who advised them on their health status, and referred cases for further consultation and follow up to our own JCI accredited hospitals when required.
The health camp was well-received by the parents, teachers and staff. The feedback received from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the initiative and the need for more such camps in the future. The parents and teachers were of the opinion that they were now more aware and gained a better understanding of various health issues and the importance of maintaining good health. The health check-up helped in identifying a few cases of high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. The affected individuals were advised to seek medical help for further treatment.
The health professional students found this campaign to be useful in enhancing their skills and knowledge. It allowed them to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and gain insights into common health issues faced by the community. They were also able to identify modifiable risk factors among the participants that can be addressed through simple lifestyle changes.
Health risk screening camps like these provide an opportunity for medical students to gain hands-on experience in screening and counseling patients. It allows them to develop communication and clinical skills, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. The positive feedback received from the participants using a google survey form is a testament to the effectiveness of the camp.