Seraj Valley: Kullu Deep in the interiors of Upper Seraj Valley of Kullu, doctors from Jibhi CHAI and My Himachal volunteers after trekking uphill to reach the remote Teel Village launched the 6th Health Mela on Monday by providing health care to children.
For ten hours, physical examinations, distribution of supplements, de-worming, dental and eye examinations were conducted.
On examination Dr Susan found the many were not only suffering from the pervasive malnutrition that but also from lack of proper water and liquid intake causing skin problems and diseases related to urinary infections.
Shortage of water availability was adding to the woes of the villagers and the children as regular supply was disrupted for about 3 months, the villagers said.
“As we have to walk about 3 Kilometers to fetch water, we use it sparingly†said a lady with a small child.
Participating in the Health Mela, Payson R. Stevens, founding and advisory board member My Himachal said, “It’s a heart breaker to see these beautiful children and know that the disadvantages of rural poverty will probably only get worse as increased variability of climate change looms large.â€
To spread awareness about health issues, water usage and likely impacts because of climate change, street theater groups enacted plays and skits on the occasion that proved both educative and entertaining.
Padam Singh, Field Manager of the Health Mela said that the logistics of conducting such health camps, each year, is a challenging task but defying odds we have been able to hold them for six successive years.
Photo by: Allison Pierce from 2009 health Camp.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
