FREE BINAYAK SEN MEDICAL CAMP AT KOVALAM, TAMIL NADU

MAY 4th

The Committee for the Release of Dr. Binayak Sen, Chennai in partnership with the The Chennai Metropolitan Construction workers and Unorganized workers union, Kovalam held a medical camp at Kottai Colony in Kovalam village about 45 Kms from Chennai. It was decided that this series of camps would be planned monthly for at least a year.

The medicines were purchased at concessional rates with support from the Tamil Nadu Medical Representatives Association. Three doctors Dr. Aravindan, Dr. Gurumurthy and Dr. Rakhal Gaitonde saw patients and manned the pharmacy. All medicines and consultations were done free.

[Show as slideshow]

The camp was preceded by a short inaugural session where the traditional leaders of the village were present, after a welcome by Comrade Srinivasan, Dr. Rakhal spoke about Dr. Binayak Sen, his arrest and the inspiration behind holding this camp in solidarity with him. Dr. Rakhal stressed that this was not merely a camp to dole out medicines but was infact an opportunity for the people to share their problems, violations of rights that are going on on a day to day basis, come to know of your rights and entitlements and plan action for getting the same. The example of the National Rural Health Mission gaurantees at the village level was given. Dr. Rakhal mentioned the various entitlements as per the NRHM – the community was surprised as no one was aware of any of these. There was then reporting of the irregularities in the maternal benefit scheme of the Tamil Nadu government. The people also raised issues regarding the redefining of the poverty line in various government orders in an attempt to fix eligibility criteria. There was even a proposal to hold a large public enquiry on the issue.

After the inaugural session nearly 55 patients consulted the doctors. While most were common ailments the doctors were struck by the number of alcohol related problems that they came across. The doctors had time to speak to the patients as well as the members of the union who have promised to follow up the various patients who need follow up.

The community appreciated the effort and said that they would all mobilise a much larger number of people the next month.

Share It: