The Rotary Club of Mumbai South, under the esteemed leadership of Padmashree Rtn. Prof. Dr. Keiki R. Mehta, achieved a significant milestone this Saturday. At the Mehta International Eye Institute in Colaba, a highly successful free screening camp was organized, addressing crucial health issues such as diabetes, glaucoma, blood pressure, and cataracts. The focus was specifically on underprivileged communities residing in and around four major slums of South Mumbai: Ambedkar Nagar Transit Camp, Sasson Dock, Ganesh Murti Nagar, and Bhadwarh Park.
This year’s health camp expanded its reach beyond the local scope. Two entire busloads of residents from the Dharavi slums made the journey, displaying a keen eagerness to avail themselves of essential health services. The attendees comprised a diverse group, ranging from daily wage earners to families with children, all sharing a common goal of pursuing well-being. The overarching mission of the camp was twofold: empowerment and early detection. By fostering awareness about the silent and potentially devastating afflictions of diabetes and glaucoma, the Rotary Club aimed to educate the most vulnerable individuals. They emphasized the critical role diabetes plays in national health and underscored the insidious nature of glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”
However, awareness was merely the initial step. The camp also aimed to directly combat these illnesses by raising funds for diagnosis and treatment, particularly within less fortunate communities. By offering easily accessible screening and early intervention, the goal was to control the spread of these diseases and enhance the overall health of often-overlooked individuals.
The event itself was graced by prominent figures, including Rotary dignitaries and South Mumbai MCGM Corporators Mrs. Harshita Narwekar and Adv. Makarand Narwekar. To add even greater significance to this noble initiative, the Honorable Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Rahul Narwekar, inaugurated the camp. He commended both the Rotary Club of Mumbai South for its initiative and the tireless efforts of Padmashree Prof. Dr. Keiki Mehta, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society.
In conclusion, the recent health camp organized by the Rotary Club of Mumbai South stands as a testament to the potency of community, awareness, and proactive healthcare. By shining a light on silent killers and providing the means for early detection and treatment, they offer a beacon of hope to those who need it most.
