(HUNDREDS on Saturday benefited from free medical check-ups and one-on-one dialogue with doctors, as well as the distribution of information and communication materials, at a health fair held by the Ministry of Health at the 1763 Monument, Vlissengen Road.The health fair which began at 09:00hrs and continued throughout the day, followed a Cancer Awareness Walk through the streets of Georgetown, culminating at the Square. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed during the month of

October, and as was expected, there was great emphasis on breast cancer awareness at the fair. Manning the breast cancer booth were doctors Raghuran Ravindranath and Syed Ghazi.
However, a wide range of medical conditions were focused on and persons were treated and given medical advice accordingly. With a medical team comprising more than 20 doctors, several nurses and technicians, persons were screened and treated and/or counselled in the following areas: Diabetes and Hypertension; HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing; mental health; cardiovascular diseases; breast feeding; safe-motherhood; food and nutrition; anaemia; alcohol and drug use; the effects of domestic violence; drugs and adolescence, among others. There was also a unit from the National Blood Transfusion Centre collecting blood donations.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud who was present at the health fair outlined that, even though cancer awareness month is currently being observed, there was some focus on breast cancer awareness, but not exclusively. “Even though we are looking at cancer, we also have general medical checks and we also had a team from the Psychiatric Unit, headed by Dr. Bhiro, discussing with members of the public, mental health issues.”
The CMO said that the Ministry is aiming at highlighting and opening access to citizens, organising periodically a service which will bring to the people the opportunity for screening for

various non-communicable as well as communicable diseases. Where it becomes necessary, referrals are made to the Georgetown Public Hospital and district health centres.
“So the idea is to bring the service here at weekends so it can be accessed by people who are otherwise busy during the week.”
And last week, the Ministry set up a health outreach booth at GuyExpo, where thousands were able to access the free services offered in a timely fashion. Dr. Shamdeo said that plans are in the making to take the service to outlying communities as well, so that more people from a wider cross-section could benefit.
The response was very good and persons expressed appreciation for the services delivered efficiently, with dispatch.

(By Shirley Thomas)