The Times of India      22.11.2013

Chennai Corporation to conduct mega medical camp

CHENNAI: At a time when Chennai is grappling with several kinds of fever, the corporation is planning to conduct a mega medical camp across the city.

Corporation officials say they are planning to screen nearly 3 lakh people in 1,000 locations across the city from November 26, which is the centenary day of Ripon Buildings, the headquarters of the Chennai Corporation.

In 2012, the civic body screened 1.13 lakh people at 200 camps with the help of 275 doctors and 1,230 paramedical staff. The civic body had also referred over 23,000 people to government-run hospitals for further treatment.

Corporation officials said they would conduct a meeting with medical experts from government and corporation hospitals on Friday. "We are conducting such a mega medical camp for the first time. There are also plans to conduct medical camp for a week with the help of medical experts from various government run hospitals. We will also set up mobile medical units at various streets and slums areas to provide free medical check-ups. This is also expected to help senior citizens who were unable to visit hospitals for treatment," said an official.

Officials said people would be tested for hypertension, diabetes, respiratory problems, diabetes, skin infections and stomach disorders in the mega medical camp. The city has reported several 'mystery fever' cases in the past weeks, where fever shows symptoms of chikungunya and at times of dengue, but the tests are negative for both.

Health experts say the mega medical camp will also help the civic body create a health map of the city. They say the camp will help the civic body prevent the spread of diseases like chikungunya, dengue, malaria and swine flue.

In 2006, the civic body screened 61,000 people in one day. The event was recommended to be included in the Limca Book of Records.