My Perspectives on Sunday's Medical Camp

A few things really struck me in the medical camp we had Sunday (November 2nd, 2008):

First of all, I have to say that I am very proud of our group members who took on the responsibility for this massive task - especially to Ayesha who has proven herself to be a very capable leader. Its exciting to see the group mature and for its members to be willing to take a more active role.

Ayesha did a terrific job of setting up the details for the camp - organizing and purchasing the drugs, arranging the space, finding the volunteers, and setting up the tent, among other things. We reached the campsite around 11AM to set up the tables. The children, as usual, greeted us excitedly and helped to set up the tables and chairs. We set up the pharmacy and got the camp started. Several of our members went into the slum to create awareness of the camp.

This brings me to the second point which really struck me. We have made huge inroads to building trust with the people at the camp and I feel like that was very evident today. This is probably because of the work that went on in the last two weeks, where we responded the the community in its time of crisis to play our part - even though it was small, it was undoubtedly appreciated by the residents. The people at the slum know that we are there to help them and not to take advantage of them in any way and they were willing to come to the camp to get treatment.

In an effort to increase participation at the camp, Nandini, Nivedita and myself went to the slum on the other side of the road to increase awareness here. This slum was much smaller, and only slightly better off than the one we usually work at. The people here were very receptive to our message and a large number of them came to the camp to receive treatment. This was our third revelation. Following this experience, we have decided to include this slum in our future work at Ramavaram.

Finally, our doctors did a terrific job in coming. For people who work six to seven days a week, they were very enthusiastic to help and supportive of our cause. It is not small thing to ask from people who seem to be perpetually exhausted and tired from their work in the hospital to spend even more time working. Their willingness to participate in the camp is always deeply appreciated - after all, it wouldn't happen without them!

These things made today's camp especially exciting for me. Though this may be our last major even of the year, its clear that next year will bring us to the next level of promoting education, healthy activities, and overall self sufficiency to the slum residents.