Post on 08-Aug-2020
transcript
Team:MED
Palampur Health Initiative 2010
4th January to 16th January
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 2 of 16
Table of Contents
Page
1. Acknowledgements
3
2. About Us 2.1 Executive Committee
4
3. Project Overview 3.1 Background & Objectives 3.2 The Programme
5
4. Key Activities & Highlights 4.1 Health Screening 4.2 First-Aid Lectures 4.3 Exchange with local
medical students/professionals
10
5. Photo Snapshots
13
6. Sponsorship 14
7. Review 7.1 Job well done 7.2 Areas of improvement 7.3 Recommendations for
the future
15
8. Conclusion 16
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 3 of 16
1. Acknowledgements
The Palampur Health Initiative would not have been possible without the invaluable support and
contributions of various organisations and individuals. We were also fortunate to be able to engage
significant financial and medical supplies sponsorship from Abbotts India and Victorian Students Aid
Program. Therefore, we would like to express of heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the following
organisations and people:
Team:MED Committee Xin Yi Ho Kelvin Chng Melanie Tan Jasmine Koh Daryl Cheng
Volunteering India Padam Dev Singh ‘Bobby’ (Executive Director) Amit Masand (Director Operation)
Team:MED Participants Xin Yi Ho (5th Year Medical Student) Kelvin Chng (5th Year Medical Student) Kimanh Nguyen (5th Year Medical Student) Joshua Hammerschlag (5th Year Medical Student) Cassie Rickard (4th Year Medical Student) Eugene Tan (4th Year Medical Student) Sara Sattar (4th Year Medical Student) Stacy Chamberlain (3rd Year Medical Student) Allya Makjijani (3rd Year Medical Student) Astrid Richards (3rd Year Medical Student) & all who have expressed interest in our project
Lecturers and Supervisors
Dr Anup Katoch
Dr Garima Thakur Dr Anil Mehra
Dr Sunil Raina
Dr Kapoor Deraj
Dr Karan Sharma
Dr Rajesh Sood
& the many others who have made this
project a success
International Volunteer HQ Blanche Mackinder (Program Coordinator) & staff
Sponsors Abbotts India (financial assistance and medical supplies) Victoria Students Aid Program (medical supplies) Monash University Clubs and Societies
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 4 of 16
2. About Us
Team:MED is an official student organisation that provides an avenue for Monash University
students to actively participate in volunteer Health Initiatives across the world, including
countries such as Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Fiji. These health initiatives
are holistic projects to improve health in the community, involving aspects of health and
wellbeing such as health screening, dietary advice, water sanitization and medical treatment.
They are run together with healthcare professionals, aid agencies and sometimes directly with
the community.
2.1 Executive Committee
The Team:MED executive committee with the assistance of our partner organisation
(International Volunteer HQ) were responsible for all matters pertaining to project
coordination, organisation and evaluation. Xin Yi Ho and Kelvin Chng were selected as
participants and appointed to lead the Palampur Health Initiative.
The executive committee is comprised of:
Xin Yi Ho (President Team:MED & Participant)
Kelvin Chng (Vice-President Team:MED & Participant)
Melanie Tan (Secretary Team:MED)
Jasmine Koh (Treasurer Team:MED)
Daryl Cheng (Logistics Officer Team:MED)
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 5 of 16
3. Project Overview
Name of Event: Palampur Health Initiative 2010
Date of Event: 4th
January to 16th
January 2010
Location of event:
Palampur, India
Number of participants: 10
Main Organizers:
Team:MED (Monash University);
Supporting Partners:
International Volunteer HQ
Volunteering India
Sponsors:
Abbotts India
VSAP (University of Melbourne)
Contact name:
Xin Yi Ho
Kelvin Chng
Telephone number:
0431499153
0403590309
Email:
teammed@monashclubs.org
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 6 of 16
3.1 Background and Objectives
About the Health Initiative
Palampur Health Initiative is a student-based pilot initiative developed by Team:MED from
Monash University (Clayton) in partnership with International Volunteer HQ and
Volunteering India. It draws medical students from Monash University MBBS but we hope
to include all students from the Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health
Sciences in the near future. In accordance with our club objectives, our aim for this health
initiative is to promote primary healthcare and disease prevention and consequently improve
overall health indices of the people in Palampur, India. The health initiative involves the
conduct of primary health screening clinics for adults and children at various establishments,
e.g. day-care centres, schools, orphanages and hospitals. In addition, time was also set aside
to allow interaction with local health professionals and medical students, our participants will
be able to gain invaluable knowledge and insight into the pertinent healthcare issues through
these highly useful activities.
Club members who expressed an interest in the initiative were put through a rigorous
selection process which comprised of the submission of an application form detailing their
previous experience in volunteering and their understanding of pertinent issues involved in
the initiative. Subsequently, phone interviews were also conducted by Team:MED executive
committee members to further assess the suitability of the candidates according to specific
criterion agreed upon by the executive committee members. In addition, selected candidates
were also required to submit a similar application form to our partner organisation,
International Volunteer HQ to complete the whole application process.
Selected candidates were prepared for the project by means of an organised meet-up session
and constant communication through online resources such as ‘Google Groups’, ‘Facebook’
and email. All candidates were encouraged to voice any concerns or queries through these
avenues which were swiftly attended by Team:MED executive committee members.
Selected candidates were also encouraged to actively engage sponsorship from interested
third-party organisations with regards to financial and medical supplies contributions for the
Health Initiative.
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 7 of 16
Aims and Objectives of the Health Initiative
To enhance professional and personal development, and enable participants to cultivate
skills for negotiation, teamwork and analysis that are critical to career success
To promote primary healthcare, disease prevention and improve health outcomes of the
people in Palampur, India
To understand and appreciate healthcare in a global setting and to contribute to the global
community
To promote and propagate the concept of global volunteerism
The Meet-up session
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 8 of 16
3.2 The Programme
Date Programme
Day 1
4th
Jan Introduction & briefing
Tour of lodging & local market
Evening lecture on culture and customs of Himachal Pradesh by Dr Anup
Katoch
Day 2
5th
Jan Visit to Kayakalp Ayurveda & Naturopathy Hospital
Lecture on integrated system of medicine in India by Dr Garima Thakur
Day 3
6th
Jan Conduct health screening at various Day Care Centres
Conduct health screening at Gyan Deep School
Day 4
7th
Jan Participation in Village Medical Camp at Janani Hospital, Tashi Jong with
Dr Anil Mehra M.D, Professor & Head of the Dept of Angioplasty,
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
Visit to Tibetan Monastery
Day 5
8th
Jan Visit to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Hospital
Introduction by Dr Sunil Raina, Assistant Professor of Community
Medicine Department
Lecture on healthcare structure in India
Interactive program with students of Government Medical College
Day 6
9th
Jan Ward rounds with Dr Kapoor Deraj, Head Professor of Medicine
Ophthalmology lecture + 2 short cases
Obstetrics & Gynaecology hands-on session by O&G Registrar
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 9 of 16
Day 7
10th
Jan Leisure visit to Mcleodganj
Day 8
11th
Jan Paragliding trip
Conduct health screening at Pandit Anant Ram Sharma Rotary School For
Mentally Challenged Children and Orphanage
Conduct first aid lecture at Orphanage
Presentation of first aid kits to senior at Orphanage
Day 9
12th
Jan Conduct health screening at Pandit Anant Ram Sharma Rotary School For
Mentally Challenged Children
Day 10
13th
Jan Conduct health check-ups at Orphanage
Day 11
14th
Jan Surgery experience with Dr Karan Sharma, MS PGH, best surgeon in
Himachal Pradesh
Group discussion on HIV awareness in India with Dr Rajesh Sood, AIDS
Control Officer District Kangra
Day 12
15th
Jan Conduct health screening at Gyan Deep School
Conduct 2 first aid lectures at Gyan Deep School
Presentation of first aid kits to Principal of Gyan Deep School
Presentation & wrapping up of programme
Day 13
16th
Jan Leisure visit to tea garden & factory
End of Programme
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4th
to 16th
Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 10 of 16
4. Key Activities & Highlights
4.1 Health Screening
The aim of the Health Screening Clinics that were conducted was to obtain baseline results
for BMI, HR, BP and general examination findings of patients’ ENT, cardiovascular,
respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. In addition, our volunteers had also shared the
expenses required to employ an accompanying pathologist to perform basic Haemoglobin
counts. Our target group consisted mostly of under-privileged children and adolescents
between the ages of 5 to 20 at various locations, e.g. Day Care Centres, Gyan Deep School,
an orphanage and the Pandit Anant Ram Sharma Rotary School For Mentally Challenged
Children.
The most common problems afflicting these children were anaemia, malnutrition and the
general lack of health surveillance from birth.
All data collected were forwarded to relevant local health services, e.g. general practitioners
and specialists, for further processing and follow-up as appropriate.
Where possible health screening was also used as an opportunity to further educate people on
basic hygiene and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health status.
We will be receiving follow-up reports on these children and adolescents as their data are
being processed. In addition, arrangements will be made to re-engage with the same group of
children and adolescents on our return project- Palampur Health Initiative 2011, to further
assess their progress and ensure the establishment of the continuity of care.
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 11 of 16
4.2 First –Aid Lectures
The aim of the first-aid lectures was to seek to educate the population about the basic
principles of first-aid. These lectures were conducted at the Gyan Deep School and the
Orphanage. Once again, our target group consisted mostly of children and adolescents
between the ages of 5 to 20. Due to language barriers, we had chosen to conduct these
education sessions for children and adolescents who have a basic understanding of the
English Language. It was conveyed to them that they will then act as conduits and pass on the
knowledge that they have learnt to their family and friends to achieve a more widespread
effect.
First-aid lectures consisted of didactic teaching sessions, demonstration sessions and practice
sessions so as to enhance the flow of information and to foster a more engaging learning
environment. Topics that were covered include: Basic wound management; basic fracture and
sprains management; and what to do during emergency situations.
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 12 of 16
4.3 Exchange with local medical students/professionals
The main aim of these exchanges was to augment the level of understanding of our
volunteers of the local culture and the cogent issues which are expectedly different from what
we have experienced so far in our various academic capacities. With full appreciation and
understanding of this knowledge, our volunteers were able to effectively perform the tasks
that were required of them in Palampur, India.
In addition, these exchanges had also provided our volunteers with the opportunity to
interact, network and connect with fellow members of the medical profession thereby
enhancing both their personal and professional development.
Noteworthy exchanges that were specially commended by our volunteers include:
Participation in Village Medical Camp at Janani Hospital, Tashi Jong with Dr Anil Mehra
M.D, Professor & Head of the Dept of Angioplasty, University of Southern California,
Los Angeles, USA
Visit to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Hospital & interactive sessions
with local medical students
Ward rounds with Dr Kapoor Deraj, Head Professor of Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynaecology hands-on session by O&G Registrar
Surgery experience with Dr Karan Sharma, MS PGH, best surgeon in Himachal Pradesh
Group discussion on HIV awareness in India with Dr Rajesh Sood, AIDS Control Officer
District Kangra
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 13 of 16
5. Further Snapshots of the Programme
Start of Programme
Getting to Know The Town Lecture With Dr Katoch
Visit to Ayurveda Centre Health Check@ Day Care Heath Check@ Local School
Day at the Janani Hospital Visit to the Medical College
Interaction w/ Local Med Std
Ward Round w Prof Deraj Team Bonding- Paragliding First-Aid @Special Sch
Health Check@ Special Sch Health Check@ Orphanage Wrapping up & Farewell
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 14 of 16
6. Sponsors
Once again, we would like to show our appreciation and gratitude towards our sponsors. Without
their support, this Health Initiative would have been much less successful.
Thank you Victorian Students Aid Program (VSAP) for the provision of:
First aid kits (7 sets)
Mercury Blood Pressure monitoring sets (6 sets)
Calcium & Vitamin Tablets (2 bottles)
Gloves (2 boxes)
Povodone Iodine solution (1 bottle, 500mls)
Thank you Abbotts India for the provision of:
Various medical supplies that were directly delivered to the hospitals in Palampur
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 15 of 16
7. Review
7.1 Good Job Done
Relatively well coordinated and organised
Good range of activities for volunteers
Good mix of working and recreational activities for volunteers
Volunteers displayed good enthusiasm throughout the initiative
Good accommodation
7.2 Areas of Improvements
Unfamiliarity with the usage of online resources, e.g. Google Groups, contributed to
initial confusion and disorganisation amongst volunteers
Coordination and organisation amongst volunteers and with partner organisations can be
further improved, e.g. pre-departure briefing sessions
Engagement of more sponsorship and support from the University and Faculty
Language barriers, e.g. unfamiliarity with spoken Hindi
Introduction of more clinically oriented activities
Standardisation and familiarisation of primary health screening procedures
7.3 Recommendations for Future Projects
Provision of clear instructions and manuals for participants with regards to use of online
resources
Inclusion of basic Hindi and Indian cultural courses prior to departure
Organisation of more face-to-face meet-up sessions to encourage team-bonding and
establish basic ‘ground-rules’
Standardisation and familiarisation of health screening procedures through group practice
sessions
Expansion of activities to include HIV screening and counselling, and more clinically
oriented activities
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report
Page 16 of 16
8. Conclusion
On the whole, the Palampur Health Initiative was a resounding success. In fact, it far
exceeded the modest expectations that we had for our pilot project. The project had fulfilled
its objectives and enabled participants to not only get a glimpse of healthcare in a global
setting but also to make significant contributions to the global community (improving the
health outcomes of the people of Palampur, India). Furthermore, it had also allowed our
participants to build up networks whereby, they can continue to share and disseminate the
knowledge and insights that they have gained from this project.
The Palampur Health Initiative holds much potential for both Monash University students
and our host country, India, in terms of enhancing the of training of our future medical
professionals; assisting our host country in tackling one of their most urgent development
challenges; promoting cross-cultural exchange and inter-racial harmony; and strengthening
the unique relationship between Australia and India.
Therefore, we look forward to conduct a follow-up project in 2011, to further gauge the
success of the Palampur Health Initiative 2010; to use the experience that we have gained and
build upon the success of 2010; and more importantly, to ensure a continuity of care for the
individuals who have benefitted and who will continue to benefit from our contributions.
Palampur Health Initiative 2010 4
th to 16
th Jan
Post-Project Summary Report