The Constitution of India recognizes it as a primary duty for every state to improve public health among their population, providing proper services.Keeping in mind the health conditions in India, a 6-day medical camp was organized at Delhi and Darjeeling by the Developing Workers from USA in collaboration with Mission of Mercy India.

Medical Camp – Patient Overview :

Medical Camp – Diseases Overview :

Medical Camp – Setup :

The setup of the medical camp by and large was as follows:

Registration Station : In the registration section, the medical form along with a band with a label on it and a zip lock packet was given to each of the children. A separate sticker was there to be stuck on the band for children not registered with One Child Matters.

Nutrition Station : In this section, the height (inches) and weight (lbs.) of the children were measured. For children 5 years and below Mid-Upper Arm Circumference was also measured. Based on height weight, age, gender, MUAC a Z score – an indication for malnutrition was calculated and noted on the medical form. Z-score of ranging from -3 - -5 is indicative of malnourishment ranging from marginal to severe. Whereas a Z-Score ranging from 3-5 in indicative of Body Mass Index, Obesity and Blood Pressure problems.

Examiners/Checkup Station : Followed by nutrition, the children lined up for medical checkup. A total of 4 stations were placed with a doctor and a translator in each of them. The z-score on the medical form was a quick trigger for doctors to get a basic idea to begin with the checkup.

Vitamin Station : Each of the children was given a dose of vitamin at the station itself. Based on the diagnosis of the doctor, the child was given packet of multi vitamins for 30-60-90 days respectively. If the child had some dental problem, a tooth brush was also given to the child in this station. This station marked exit for children who did not required any further medication.

Pharmacy Station : This was the last station and marked the exit for the children who were required to take medication based on the overall checkup. The medicines were first counted and packed as prescribed by the doctors. Next it was handed over to the children and was described in detail as to when and how they were required to have the medicines. Also, the children were explained the severity of their illness by means of a placard.

Through 6 days of clinic, 1595 patients were attended to, prayed over and various ailments identified. A brief clinical pearl session on tuberculosis, malaria, dengue and chikungunya was also shared with the teachers/child champions, educating them about the diseases, how it spreads and what are the preventative measures that can be taken.

In Delhi most of the children at the CDC belong to the adjacent slum areas where the environment is very unhygienic. Even though city slum dwellers account for one fourth of the country’s poor population, less than 4% of the government’s budget has been allotted for urban health care. The physical environment of the slums presents many challenges to residents among which the health problem is primary. It was seen that a large number of children in Delhi hope centers were underweight and suffering from stunting problem, which is usually associated with malnutrition. While the children do get a midday meal at the CDC, more often than not, there is inadequate nutrition available at home thus leading to malnutrition.

The children live in an environment where infections fester and lack of clean drinking water, nutritious food and poor intake of nutrients caused by stomach parasites lead to all kinds of diseases. Most of the adult care providers of the children also lack proper knowledge of hygiene or nutrition.

In Darjeeling due to the cold weather, a large number of children suffer from cold urticaria. It is a skin reaction to cold that appears within minutes after cold exposure. The affected skin develops reddish, itchy welts. It was seen that a large number of children here suffer from this.

In comparison to Delhi, the children in Darjeeling, albeit coming from very poor backgrounds, believe in and live in a hygienic environment as compared to the living conditions in Delhi. Apart from dental and skin problem a very less number of children suffer from mal nutrition.

We praise and thank God for his protection and mercy upon all of us, especially the children and the child champions and we are especially grateful for the faithful service of the team members of Developing Workers and all our staff members here at One Child Matters/Mission of Mercy India.