Leading doctors treat 500 villagers at free health camp

More than 550 villagers received free treatment from ten of Sri Lanka’s leading doctors at a health camp organised by the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka (NSASL) and the Foundation of Goodness’s Rainbow Clinic.

Held at the Foundation’s offices in December, the health camp offered treatment from a group of specialists including neurologists and pediatricians as well as general practitioners, headed by NSASL President Dr Lalith Wijeratne, consultant rheumatologist with the NHSL.

NSASL patron and former President Mr Rienzie Wijethilleke, who was instrumental in organising the camp, said that the association decided to hold the clinic in Seenigama as a way of providing relief for those affected by the tsunami.

‘Our organisation was keen to help a tsunami related project, and we have the manpower but not the funding, so we decided to offer the health camp,’ he explained.

‘The Foundation is one of the most successful post tsunami rehabilitation projects, it’s a very worthy cause so we knew this was the place to bring the doctors.’

During the day, villagers of all ages came to have their ailments examined by some of Colombo’s top consultants. From children with suspected chikungunya to the elderly with aching joints, all were treated with care and respect by the busy doctors.

Most of the doctors work full time for hospitals, as well as running their own practices and working with the NSASL. Their time is precious, and donating a Saturday to the village was a substantial gift for the locals.

The Rainbow Clinic’s Dr Shirley Silva commended the Foundation staff, and UN Volunteer Dr Mihirinie Wijewardhana in particular, for their part in making the day a resounding success.

‘An unexpectedly large crowd attended and were benefited, especially the poor and needy in and around Seenigama,’ he said.

All patients treated on the day received a record of their diagnosis, and if necessary were given medication which was also donated by the doctors.

The National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka

NSA members Upali de Silva, Rienzie Wijethilleke & Daya Abeysekera

The National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka is a volunteer organisation made up of medical and non-medical members. Its work has blessings from the Ministry for Health.

The association’s objective is to create awareness about stroke prevention, as well as care of stroke patients to maximise potential for rehabilitation and full recovery.

In Sri Lanka, it is commonly believed that stroke suffers will become permanently bedridden, causing stress and depression for the entire family. The NSASL work at debunking these myths through providing free advice and referral services for the many enquiries they receive.

They also hold an annual walk in Colombo on national stroke day, which this year is on Sunday 25th February. After the walk there is free clinic and public seminar on stroke prevention, symptoms and treatment, so that people will know to get medical treatment as soon as they have symptoms of a stroke.