BUTTERWORTH: The grounds, cabins and buildings of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) Butterworth, saw a hive of activity during its annual medical camp for everyone regardless of race or colour or belief on May 29 from 7.30am to 12 noon. The medical camp, under the leadership of Dr Delis Suzan Marshall, with the support of the parish priest, Fr Victor Louis, was the fruit of two months of hard work by a team of committed parishioners.

Dr Delis Suzan said that she felt very happy, because the committee had worked together as one and all for the love of Christ and for the good of the parish and the public. About 16 doctors and other medical personnel from the government and private hospitals responded generously with their time and expertise to attend to the needs of about 250 people who turned up that morning.

The wardens and youths from the parish did a marvellous job seeing to the parking of cars as well as guiding the ‘human traffic’ to their respective stations. The medical camp was made possible too by some generous donors. Help was also sought from members of the St John’s Ambulance. The day started at 7.00 am.

The main aim was to screen those who have healththreatening illnesses and to counsel them on how to manage their illnesses before they become life-threatening. Several booths were open for the checking of BMI, vision, blood sugar, cholesterol and teeth. Besides this, Pap smear, bone densitometry and breast examination were available for the ladies. There was also a booth for managing weight and general wellness. After getting the results of their health checks, the attendees then consulted the doctors in attendance. Dr Delis Suzan also went through the results and did the necessary follow-up.

Counselling for those who wanted to quit smoking or know more about their medication or the use of inhalers was made available by a pharmacist. There was also a Healthcare Poster exhibition. What was new in this year’s medical camp was the priority given to senior citizens and people with special needs in a special cabin with 4 doctors. There were also Chinese-speaking doctors to attend to the Chinese-speaking attendees.

Those who came for the medical camp were very happy with the prompt and good services received. One of them, John Lee, echoed the many praises of those who came for the camp. He said that he did not have to wait long to be attended to. Susie also found the camp good as it is a wake-up call for not only those who are aging but also for those who are not so young to start having regular check-ups because of stress or workrelated illnesses. — By Anne Marie Teh