A ray of hope led visually impaired women all the way

The darkness that inundated the everyday existence of the 180-odd visually impaired women had failed to deter them, led as they were by a flicker of hope that here was an opportunity to keep ill-health at bay.

Putting their best foot forward, MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital and IDL Foundation, an NGO, organised a free health camp for these women.

This special Women’s Day programme on Sunday had screening, counselling, testing and treatment, besides a health and hygiene seminar. A team of 50 doctors, staff, and  volunteers were present.

“One of the important aspects of women’s empowerment is the need to concentrate on their health. And we decided to do our mite in this direction by hosting this camp,” said Dr C Sundresh, medical director, MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.

PK Paul, founder and executive trustee of IDL Foundation, said “These women are basically from economically weaker sections of the society. Most of them are also uneducated and old. They are not even aware of medical tests and treatments.”

Dr K Umadevi, the hospital’s head of the department of gynaecology, said, “We are going to screen the women and check them for various diseases linked to gynaecology and cervical cancer. If the tests turn out positive, they will be asked to come for follow-up treatment.”

There was also general checkup for anaemia and malnutrition for which blood samples were collected and X-rays done.

Dr John AR Karimder, assistant administrator of the hospital, said, “This is the first time  we are holding such an event. We will carry this forward in June when we will organise another health screening camp for  blind couples under Adarsha Dampathigalu.”

A visually impaired Lingamma Hadapad from Koppal district, said, “This is a good initiative. I only hope  I won’t be diagnosed with any serious ailment.”