A screening campaign was conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University and Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, to assess the predominant modifiable risk factors prevalent among the construction workers of Darwish Construction Company, Ajman, UAE on December 9, 2022 as part of our being socially accountable to our immediate community.
The screening focused risk factors to the Big 4 diseases prevalent in the UAE, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and cancer. In addition, other factors such as family history, tobacco use, alcohol intake and exercise habit were also assessed. A General Practitioner assisted by medical students estimated Body Mass Index (BMI – measured using height and weight), blood pressure, random blood sugar and performed a dental check-up. These screening procedures enabled to gain an understanding of the general health, as well as presence of any indicators among the employees, which may put them at the risk of developing any health problems. Anyone found with abnormal findings were immediately referred to the hospital for further check-up.
Testimonials by the enthusiastic medical students reflected the impact of the event. Nusrat Taosin, 3rd year medical student, feeling accomplished, said, “Taking part in this community service activity was a wonderful experience. I was able to apply medical knowledge and correlate patient’s physical findings with their lifestyle and past medical history, which was very interesting. I am grateful to our community medicine faculty for giving us this learning opportunity to get hands-on experience of what we learnt previously. I look forward to taking part in more such activities in the future”.
Her peer, Maryam Alsaffar, in the same vein, reflected, “I measured the blood pressure of the employees of the Darwish Construction Company during the health campaign. It was an experience in itself that showed me how each person’s blood pressure varies depending on their age and physical appearance. I look forward to taking part in such activities in future to enhance my portfolio”.
Tehniyat Hammad, 3rd year medical student, visibly excited expressed, “Being in the journey of becoming a doctor, I strongly believe that taking part in community service helps us develop the communicating skills and the confidence that is required to deal with patients in future. Being able to help someone overcome their physical pain and giving them hope for a healthier future has been an amazing experience.”
“It is important to instill aspects of social accountability and community engagement among medical students early, so that they become responsible and entrustable doctors!” said Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University.