Community Health Projects of IMA Ponda

Along with organizing regular monthly CMES , Conferences, State level CMEs and workshops etc., and attending such educative programmes, organized at State level by other branches, as well as IMA Goa State, for updating the medical knowledge , members of IMA Ponda, have always given utmost importance of sparing some of their time at regular intervals, or ,as and when required, towards the community health at large, alongside their dedication towards own practice ,or, service, or running their medical establishments.

Organising Health camps, and participating as an organization, or an individual member ,association with other organizations ,in regular follow up health camps, it has always been a consistent persuasive Endeavour by the members.

With the National IMA at Head Quarters launching Aao Gaon Chale project ,in the year 2004 ,which was successfully taken up by IMA Goa State, each branch adopting a village and carrying out activities, IMA Ponda was no exception .It adopted the same villages where their work was already existing, three villages in place of one, with the permission of the Headquarters.

Though some members are on the forefront ,yet there are others ,supporting these activities from their own clinics, in a silent way whenever referrals come on their way ,and thus they too are a major support towards this health activity and so IMA Ponda is a family of members unitedly striving at their goal, depending on each other’s cooperation and toiling together, to make every undertaking a success .Generations pass on their legacy to the next, and the younger generations merge with the parent family in a natural manner ,very much flowing into the stream, they being loaded with skills with higher technology ,and full hearted dedication, assuring continuity of the projects.

Associating with different Organizations ,IMA Ponda members give their medical services in accordance with the services rendered by the organization to the community.

An overview of such activities of IMA Ponda in association with the Organisations :

Peaceful Society – A National level Gandhian organization

With the prevailing ‘misconceptions’ and attitudes of people in the society regarding essential aspects of health and nutrition, in the year 1987, Peaceful Society with Dr.Purnima Usgaonker decided to have a concrete initiatives on Health for a year with monthly follow up health check up of Children and Mothers and Health Awareness Talks which have continued till date for almost 30 years on public demand . From 1987 to 1990….The first three years health camps were held at Bandora-Goa. From 1990 it was shifted to Dhaknewada, Madkai, since Peaceful Society had shifted their office . At Every camp Health Awareness talk and Health Check up , with Clinical examination, with height and weight measuring ,is done .Medicine samples with deworming medicines, and other samples brought from own clinic ,and Peaceful Society are given to the patients as indicated.

The 3 monthly deworming trend began as a regular feature of the camps ,which was an outcome of proper explanations on hazards of worm infestations, exact method of medication which again was a very important factor since improper way and inadequate medicine would disturb worms, and create false impression on the patients about deworming. Subsequently, since Sept. 1998, separate members for women Dr.Sudha Vaidya and Dr.Smita Usgaonkar were requested for their assistance in the check up which continued for about 4-5 years.

Certain special cases requiring specialized attention are being refered to the respective members from IMA Ponda Dermatology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, blood examinations, Radiology as well as specialist members from Margao IMA like Dr.Acharya ,from Tiswadi like Dr.Deep bhandare who also gave their services free of cost. Patients with congenital heart defects, epilepsy, mental retardation etc. were given special treatment jointly by Usgaonker Clinic & by Peaceful Society.

Different Aspects regarding Health Managed at the Camps : –

• NUTRITION – Mothers’ nutrition was taken care with advices on proper ways of nutrition and importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Cerelac packets samples obtained from company on request were supplied regularly and the effect could be seen from the weight gain of the children. Cases of kwashiorkor were followed up under proper nutrition and their deficits were completely taken care. Advice on preparation of food items from locally available grains, vegetables & fruits , was and still is ,a regular feature of the camp being given. Photographs, whenever possible were taken before and after treatment, showing the effect of proper management. Peaceful Society supplied eggs and milk for some period of time and pamphlets on nutrition for infants and children were distributed.
• WORMS – A number of lectures with the emphasis on health problems caused by worms and the methods of preventing worms and treatment were delivered to give an impact on the mothers that worm removal is not hazardous which was a misconception for years. Pamphlets on prevention of worm infestations provided by Pfizer Co. were distributed. Removal of worms under certain seasons was a misnomer prevailing. This was effectively taken care and the de-worming treatment was streamlined and the people ultimately accepted it in such a pleasant way that every 3 months they take the medicines and come on their own for deworming purpose. The improvement in the health conditions is appreciable and the mothers could get convinced about the good effects of deworming and the initial resistance from the mothers passed away after a few months. No admissions to the private hospitals or Goa Medical College as was indicated by their discharge summaries from the respective hospitals and showed a total nullification of such types of admissions caused by different worm problems. Pfizer Company gave their utmost cooperation for timely deworming by their supply of Combantrin syrup and tablets for many years. Subsequently Peaceful Society took over to buy the same for the camps. This was a major achievement of the camps, which still Continues.
• SCABIES – During the initial stages a number of cases with scabies were seen, but by regular and timely treatment and lectures on methods of prevention of scabies and detailed care during scabies indications, it was almost totally eradicated. The advice on care of the clothes and public cleaning of clothes during consecutive camps helped to stress all such factors and with the demonstration of the cases to all the attendants the topic was well understood and the women were very receptive and followed the advice properly, resulting in total absence of cases of scabies during recent camps.
• FUNGAL INFECTIONS – Considerable number of mothers had Paronycheal abscess with fungal infections of nails of fingers and toes as well as skin of hands and feet due to constant contact with water during household and field work. A thorough local treatment with systemic treatment was given to them with detailed instructions about care to prevent such infections like importance of keeping the hand and feet dry during and after working. Information was also given about the fungal infections caused due to the use of damp clothes, undergarments, etc. There was a marked improvement in the condition and many were relieved of these painful conditions and awareness was created about maintaining dryness of hands and feet.. .
• TUBERCULOSIS – The children who are followed up and found to fail to thrive as indicated from their inability to gain weight in spite of de-worming, providing supplementary foods to maintain nutrition , removal of other infective conditions etc. and those other children with persisting respiratory complaints in spite of timely treatment and treatment for eosinophilia etc. were grouped out for investigations and they were investigated for tuberculosis, with blood tests, PPD and X ray chest. PPD test was done in own clinic with readings on 3rd day taken there in the campus. X ray chest were done at Amey X-ray Clinic, Ponda and blood tests were done at Patholab, Ponda by Dr. R. A. D’costa. The cases found positive were started on treatment. . A case of TB spine, some cases of primary complex, progressive primary complex were the cases found in children which were treated adequately with the help of ID hospital Ponda-Goa, in addition to samples brought from Usgaonker’s Clinic. Later on to screen the contacts in the adult population , a survey was conducted in various parts of Madkai by the Tuberculosis Department and Peaceful Society with sputum examinations and the positive cases were given treatment by the TB Department with follow up carried out by Peaceful Society.Subsequently as and when cases were detected they were refered to Health services and contacts were investigated there. An adult case had to undergo lobectomy. With advent of DOTS one of the workers of Peaceful society was given training for DOTS by the DHS on request from IMA member’s information regarding prevalence of cases of tuberculosis in the area.
• IMMUNIZATION – The immunization record of every patient is kept in the books and timely reminders are given for boosters and subsequent immunizations, if required. Talks on importance of immunization and the Vaccinations, are given from time to time, which could help those who could afford optional vaccines not available in Government. Initially when not available at DHS MMR Vaccinations were given at Usgaonker’s Clinic free of cost for the needy patients. Pamphlets containing information on schedule of immunizations are distributed from time to time.
• BLOOD GROUP DIRECTORY – 1) Issued cards to individuals including children for the sake of a record of blood groups. 2) Blood group directory for donation of blood in case of emergency. With this aim a blood grouping camp was initially arranged with the help of Dr. R.A. D’costa from Ponda .later on Dr.Vallabh Dhaimodker periodically did the blood grouping.
• PAP’S SMEAR – For early detection of Cancer Cervix of uterus, initially a camp for women above 40 was done with pap’s smear with the help of Dr. Sudha Vaidhya, ID hospital and Goa Medical College, Pathology Department. Later on as a part of cancer detection mega camps, pap’s smears were done.
• DENTAL CHECK UP – Dr. Chhaya Bandodker ,Practising oral surgeon from Ponda.and Subsequently Dr.Anar Usgaonker did the dental check up during a special health camp organized for the kids.
• EYE CHECK UP – Dr. Bandekar did the first eye check up and Peaceful Society supplied spectacles to the patients. Netradeep Shibir by IMA Goa State was first inaugurated at Madkai, at Peaceful Society. A number of cataract cases operated at the GMC ,refractory errors cases free spectacles given by Mukta Opticians. President IMA Goa State Dr. Jagdish Kakodkar and Prof and HOD Dept. Ophthalmology ,Dr.Pradeep Naik, Goa Medical College were main persons behind this camp. Safe motherhood day, Breast Feeding Week etc.are being observed in association with DHS.
• FIRST AID BOXES – First aid boxes containing Scissors, towel, nail-cutter, antiseptic cream, lotion, cotton, gauze, adhesive tape, along with nail cutters, toothbrush, paste etc. were supplied to each family with proper detailed instructions, to mothers for how and when to use each item.

With the change in Global health problem Scenario and specially Goa itself need based changes were added to the Health camps and these activities were jointly organized by Indian Medical Association Ponda Branch by adopting the same under their National Programme of AAO GAON CHALEN ABHIYAN. These included Anemia detection , Diabetes detection, Hypertension detection, Cancer detection , visual defects ,refractory errors detection , cataract detection etc. Skits towards no tobacco ,breast cancer detections were also organized by student wing of IMA Goa State.Two women gave up tobacco chewing on the occasion. Multispecialty Health Camps are being organized with General medicine physicians, pediatricians, orthopedic, skin, surgeon members of IMA Ponda and other branches as well. Dental check up also being done periodically.Blood examinations are done by the specialists members Dr.Vallabh Dhaimodkar, and his lab. X-rays at Amey X-ray clinic Ponda. Cancer Detection Camp By Dr.Jagdish Kakaodker as State Secretary, Screening camps for Breast cancer detection two camps were held ,Paps smears for cervical cancer, Blood tests for prostate cancers and the like were undertaken suspicious cases were further investigated and managed at Goa Medical College.

Special Health camps for around 200 adolescent school girls was organized with general check up, anemia detection, rubella vaccination , deworming. Books on Nutrition in adolescence written by Dr.Purnima were given to each of the 200 students who attended the camp. HEALTH TALKS During every health camp a health talk on different health problems and prevalent misconceptions regarding infective diseases, worms, immunization, nutrition, care during pregnancy, care of the newborn, care during adolescence, health problems in the rainy seasons, tips towards family health, hygiene, rabies, measles mumps, tetanus, chicken pox, anaemia, calcium deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, mental health, jaundice, malaria, tuberculosis, fungal infections, were given from time to time. Subsequently Information regarding various health problems given during the camps specially picking up cases for demonstrations for better compliance . Health Information material written by Dr.Purnima distributed from time to time on malaria, worms, nutrition, immunization, rabies, scabies etc. health problems on monsoons , Vegetables in diet, Breast feeding, Books written by Dr.Purnima Usgaonker on , Nutrition in adolescence , Family Health ,Kishorvayantil Poshan,(Marathi), Kishorvayantlen Poshan(Konkani),are distributed to the attendants who can really make use of the books. Special talks on Health problems in Mansoons ,Health problems in women after forty, Breast Cancer, Family Health , Importance of vegetables in Diet etc. are periodically organized.

MATRUCHAYA

• Matruchaya – for inmates weekly visits by Dr.Purnima for check up and as and when required medical attention.The orphan babies and the destitute children are examined and given treatment. Around 65 destitute and 8 to 10 orphans are looked after for health problems . Babies dietary guidance, health ,weight records and regular findings for development and growth are monitored and accordingly advised. Cases needing admissions are done at Usgaonkers children Hospital under Dr.Santosh and Dr.Siddhi Nevrekar. Dr.Purnima looks after the health of the babies till adoption with advises to the adopted parents. All above 9months of age are given deworming medicines every 3 months under the supervision of Dr.Purnima.
• Since 2000 – Three members Dr.Purnima ,Dr.Sudha ,and Dr.Smita attend the weekly clinics at Medical Centre under “Matruchaya Seva25”,one year at Vaghurme and then at Dhangarwadi, Kavlem which is also an adopted village of “Aao Gaon Chalen Abhiyan” of IMA Ponda Branch since 2004 till today wherein every Wednesday free clinic is held for villagers. Dr.Lalana also gives consultations in between and does admissions under her whenever required. Children and women attend the camps. Medicines are supplied by Matruchaya Trust. Primarily for Dhangar community residing at Dhangarwadi Kavle now others too from kapileshwari attend the camp.
• SACORDA
  Dr.Lalana Bakhale carried out similar health camps every week at Sacorda Matruchaya Seva 25 Centre for almost 15 years ,later on at Murmune and Paikula..Medicines were supplied by Matruchaya Trust. Dr.Purnima Dr.Sudha and Dr.Smita also attended weekly health camps at PES Colege Farmagudi for check up of students with health complaints after an initial camp for anemia detection for 300 students wherein Dr.Dhaimodker did the haemoglobin and blood grouping.
• SNEHMANDIR
  Mobile Health Clinic with the help of ambulance by Snehmandir in association with IMA Ponda was started in 2006 continued till date. Remote villages around Ponda like Gaune, Talauli ,Caranzalem, Madkai, Priol ,Veling, Khandepar ,Opa ,Kurti ,Betoda,Nirankal, Borim etc. on every Tuesday for 3 Tuesdays in a month at one place with follow up health camps.Medicines are supplied by Snehmandir courtesy Indico Remedies. Dr.Sudha ,Dr.Mohanlal Borkar, Dr.Purnima ,and Dr.Smita ,are the members who participate. Children and the families are dewormed .Anemia cases are given iron calcium for menopausal women etc are regularly given. A number of cases of Hypertension are detected.
• SWARANAAD
  IMA members cooperation in this unique project by Shree Sharada Granth Prasarak Saunstha a centre for speech therapy for hearing impaired children below the age of 6 years, also requires consistency for the medical part of the project.

A number of other multispeciality Health camps are organized regularly like the one at the Ancestral House of Usgaonkars at Usgao . Besides these regular activities a number of camps ,in association with other NGOs ,are off and on organized, and IMA Ponda members always make it possible to attend and make every camp a success.

A number of members are involved in School Health talks in different schools ,School Health check up and a number of camps and talks even outside Ponda. A number of First aid camps are held under Dr.Vallabh Dhaimodkar wherein,Dr.Pattanshetty, Dr.Raju Usgaocar participate .

The newer generation is no exception. With the class and the type of involvement shown by the younger generation specially Dr.Abhijit ,Dr.Rewa, Dr.Sarvesh, Dr.Sandeep and Dr.Samidha in the recently organized Cancer detection Camp by IMA Ponda Charitable Trust, in association with The Goa Cancer Society and Shree Sharada Granth Prasarak Saunstha, it is without doubt that they will keep IMA Ponda Banner high ,with their commitment and give Dilasa to the older generation of IMA Ponda , to run their dream project DILASA.

DR. (MRS.) PURNIMA N. S. USGAONKER – IMA Goa State Coordinator Aao Gao Chale Abhiyaan
Ex-Secretary – IMA Goa State
Ex-President – IMA Ponda
Ex- Secretary – IMA Ponda