Doctors mobilise to help flood-affected areas
A team of 60 doctors have been visiting flood-affected areas since September 21 in a joint effort by Medical College Kolkata and Midnapore Medical College. The initiative is aimed to provide medical care and distribute essential supplies to those in need, combining the efforts of both institutions to maximise impact. Some doctors were already stationed in the regions to ensure relief.
Basic amenities provided for flood victims
Ahead of their visit, the doctors purchased necessary supplies such as potatoes, rice, medicines, and other essentials using funds from the Resident Doctors Association (RDA). These funds were collected during the Abhaya protests over the rape and murder of the trainee posgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Busloads of doctors reach out
Two 30-seater traveller buses were arranged to transport the doctors to remote flood-hit regions. The team in different numbers visited areas including Kalyanpur, Lankagarh, Narajole, Mohanchawk, Maharajpur and Ghatal, where they set up medical camps and provided much-needed support to the local communities.
Camps set up in villages
Upon reaching the villages, the doctors, with the help of local residents, organised medical camps and set up tents to treat the flood victims. These makeshift clinics, called Abhaya Clinics, became centres for medical care in areas where the floodwater had cut off access to such services.
Large number of patients
“We saw as many as 1,200 patients and distributed 1,000 packets” Dr Sk Mehebub Hossain, junior resident doctor, Calcutta Medical College & Hospital, told The Telegraph Online.
Distribution of relief packets
In addition to treating patients, the doctors distributed around 1,000 relief packets to affected families. These packets contained essential supplies, including food and medicines.
Community participation
The collaboration between the medical team and local residents played a significant role in ensuring that relief efforts were efficient and reached those who needed it most.
Challenges faced during the camps
While the Abhaya Clinics provided much-needed relief, the doctors faced several challenges. The high number of patients, coupled with the lack of infrastructure, made it difficult to cater to everyone at once.
Doctors continue relief efforts
Despite the challenges, the doctors said they remain committed to providing ongoing care. They plan to revisit the areas for follow-up treatments and continue distributing supplies as long as the flood crisis persists.