Health

Kolkata: Mega health camp transforms lives in Ultadanga slum with free multi-specialty services

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 02 Aug 2025, 08:18 am

Kolkata:  A large-scale mega health check-up camp was successfully organized in the heart of Basanti Colony, Ultadanga — one of the most densely populated urban slums in Kolkata — delivering free medical services to over 230 underprivileged individuals.

Organized by a consortium of 30 Rotary Clubs, the camp provided twelve critical medical services ranging from basic diagnostics to specialized consultations — all at no cost or nominal charges.

The aim: to bridge the yawning healthcare gap for the economically disadvantaged, where preventive health remains an unaffordable luxury.

Camp Highlights:

 Total Beneficiaries: 232 (including women, children, and men from the slum)

•  Services Offered:

o Blood Tests
o Eye Check-up & Free Cataract Surgeries
o Distribution of Spectacles at Subsidized Rates
o Anaemia Testing & Awareness (under Matri Raksha Project)
o Blood Sugar & Hypertension Screening
o Pediatric, Gynecological, Orthopedic Consultations
o Nutrition Advice at Low Cost
o BMI Measurement and General Health Advice

 Manpower Mobilized:

o Rotarians: 52
o Total Volunteer Hours: 669
 Medical Professionals: 279 hours
 Rotarians: 270 hours
 Local Volunteers: 120 hours

• Financial Value of Benefits Extended: ₹2.00+ lakhs (approx.)

Why Camps Like These Matter:

India’s urban poor often live in crowded slums with limited access to basic amenities and healthcare. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS), over 70% of slum dwellers rely on unqualified practitioners due to cost and accessibility issues. Women and children in particular suffer from preventable conditions like anemia, undiagnosed vision problems, and poor nutrition.

The Mega Health Camp brought preventive care and medical awareness right into the community, focusing especially on maternal and child health, which aligns with Rotary’s global commitment to saving mothers and children.

Leadership Presence & Recognition:

The initiative was strengthened by the inspiring presence of senior Rotary leaders:

• PDG Raju Rajgharia
• PDG Rajani Mukherjee
• PDG Shyamashree Sen
• PDG Mukul Sinha

Their presence reaffirmed Rotary’s long-standing commitment to healthcare equity and community service.

A Community-Led Success Story

With strategic coordination between Rotarians, medical professionals, and local volunteers, this camp set a benchmark for collaborative social impact. The focus was not only on treatment but also awareness and follow-up, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health.