The first Annual Medical Camp for the students and staff of the Kaghan Memorial School was held on 23rd and 24th May, 2009. The main objectives of the Medical Camp were as fllows:

• Promotion of positive health through assessment of nutritional, immunisation and personal hygiene needs of the students, with follow-up advice given to their families;

• Early detection of defects of hearing, sight, systems and learning etc.;

• Treatment of problems such as worm infestations, scabies, ear, eyes and throat infections etc.;

• Preparation of detailed medical files for individual students. These files will be updated annually so as to maintain a complete medical history of each child;

• Basic medical checks and treatment of the staff.

Qualified physicians volunteered their time and expertise to the benefit of the children studying at KMS. These doctors included Dr. Murad Afridi (Camp coordinator), Dr. Tasleem Akhtar (Paediatrician), Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan (Ophthalmologist), Dr. Khalid Javed (ENT Specialist), Dr. Hina Inayat Khan (Dentist), Mr. Muhammad Zaid and Mr. Mumtaz Ali (Swab technicians), Mr. Tariq Hussain (EPI Technician) and Mr. Mohammad Tahir (Eye department).

KMS students arrived very early on the morning of the first day of the Medical Camp and assembled in their assigned area, eagerly awaiting their turns. The schedule of the camp was as follows:

1. Registration: the students and staff were registered and provided with a Medical Form, to be filled in upon examination by the doctors;

2. Camp Coordinator: Dr. Murad interviewed the guardians accompanying each child making a record of their medical history;

3. Paediatrician: (students only) Dr. Tasleem Akhtar performed a physical examination. She paid particular attention to their nutritional condition which included having them measured for height and weight;

4. Culture Swabs: (students only) Swab Technicians took samples to test for Streptococcus and other cultures;

5. Head-lice check: (students only) Each child had their hair checked for lice;

6. Dentist: Dr. Hina gave an oral check-up and demonstrated to each patient and their guardian correct brushing techniques;

7. Ophthalmologist: Dr. Shahzad tested their eyesight with the aid of an Alphabet Chart and gave general advice as a local practitioner;

8. ENT Specialist: Dr. Khalid checked the attendees for ailments of the ears, nose and throat;

9. Immunisation Specialist: (students only) Measles shots and Polio drops were administered to the students, followed by vitamin pills with a glass of milk;

10. Final Check: The Medical Forms were checked to ensure all the sections were complete. Each student was then given a hygiene kit containing a toothpaste, toothbrush, soap (all kindly donated by Colgate), nail cutters and a comb.

For those conditions that were easily treated, medicine was administered on the spot, free of cost. Where treatment was not possible at the Camp, students were referred for further medical attention. In the absence of a proper medical facility in the area, holding a Medical Camp of this nature was vital for these children and the local staff members. Specialists from the camp have prepared a report for the school to give guidelines on health-related activities and feedback for future Medical Camps. This report can be provided upon request.

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