Past Visakhian doctors conduct free medical camp

By Kathya de Silva

A free medical camp organised by the Past Visakhian Doctors' Association (PVDA) of the Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls' Association was held recently at the school premises, under the patronage of Principal Sandamali Aviruppola.

Vice Principal Kalani Suriyapperuma, Past Principals, M.N. Edussuriya and Sita Siriwardena, Old Girls' Association Joint Secretary, Renuka Dharmadasa, Medical Sub-Committee Convenor, Dr. Yasoma Weerasekara and OGA Executive Committee members were also present.

Over a hundred teachers, past and present as well as members of the non-academic staff made use of the medical facilities offered by the camp. Many cued up from 8 am for blood tests and as the day progressed, the medical units set up at the premises were busy providing numerous medical services.

Most of the doctors in the panel were past Visakhians with renowned consultant physicians.

There were histopathology, orthopedic, psychiatric, dermatology, neurology and rheumatology services as well as physiotherapy, ENT, hearing screening, speech therapy, cardiology, US scan, ECG, dental, eye, cancer and family planning units.

Services of a chest physician, endocrinologist, VOG, cardio thoracic surgeon, VP and dietician were also available.

The school became a mini hospital, complete with a pharmacy and laboratory.

The medical camp has been organised annually by the PVDA for over 15 years with physicians who are past Visakhians providing free services to school Principals and teachers, Medical Sub-Committee Convener Dr. Yasoma Weerasekara said.

This year, the sponsorships were provided by many quarters including the National Cancer Control Unit, Family Planning Association, the National Hospital, Eye Hospital and Vision Care, she said.

"This camp is a gesture of gratitude to the School's past and present Principals and the teachers.

It is an opportunity for the past students who have now become well-known doctors, to serve their teachers in return", Dr. Weerasekera said.