Doha: The 20th Asian Medical Camp, organised by the Centre for Indian Community (CIC Qatar) in collaboration with the Indian Doctors Club (IDC), concluded successfully at Um Al Saneem Health Center, extending free medical services and healthcare support to more than 3,400 people from different Asian communities in Qatar.

The camp, which ran from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm on Friday, brought together around 4,000 people from ten countries, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The participants included low-income workers, domestic workers, drivers, unemployed individuals and others with limited access to healthcare. More than 3,400 beneficiaries received free medical consultations, treatment and medicines. The camp also witnessed the participation of 381 women. Digital registration cards were issued to participants in advance, and medical consultations were organised across three separate shifts to ensure smooth coordination.

The camp was formally inaugurated at 9 am by Indian Ambassador to Qatar Dr. K. Srikar Reddy. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with officials from the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and representatives of healthcare institutions, attended the inauguration.

Those present included R.S. Abdul Jaleel, President of CIC; Dr. Rini K. Shaukat, President of IDC; Ahmed Al-Maliki, Assistant Executive Director of Public Relations at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC); Sithara Khan Azard, Ambassador of Sri Lanka; Jitendra Giri, First Secretary at the Nepalese Embassy; Mashhudul Kabir, Senior Counsellor at the Bangladeshi Embassy; and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Kaul, Attaché - Commerce at the Indian Embassy.

Other distinguished attendees included Mohan Thomas, recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and former President of IDC; Dr. Hayam Al-Sada, Regional Director of the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC); Dr. Yousef Al-Rabia, Acting Director of Umm Al Saneem Health Center; Dr. Abdul Wahid Al-Mulla, Chairman of Cardiac Surgery at Heart Hospital; Dr. Hiba Adnan Abu Halawa, Head of Health Awareness at PHCC; Dr. Abdul Rasheed, Head of Cardiac Anesthesia and ICU at Heart Hospital; Ashraf, Managing Director of Wellcare Pharmacy; A.P. Manikandan, President of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC); Shanavas Bava, President of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF); Taha Mohammed, President of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC); P.M. Baburaj; and K.S. Prasad. CIC President R.S. Abdul Jaleel honoured the distinguished guests by presenting them with mementos.

Organised under the supervision of Qatar's Ministry of Public Health, PHCC and HMC, the medical camp offered consultations with specialist doctors, medical examinations, treatment and free medication across several departments. The specialities included cardiology, hepatology, nephrology, orthopaedics, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, dentistry and internal medicine.

In addition to medical consultations, the camp provided blood donation facilities, organ donation registration, counselling, physiotherapy, audiology services and eye examinations. Health awareness sessions led by medical experts formed another important part of the programme, addressing lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, healthy dietary habits, tobacco use, substance abuse, occupational health and safety, and personal hygiene. Basic Life Support (BLS) training and first-aid awareness sessions were also conducted for participants.

Expert sessions were led by Dr. Sony C. Das, Dermatologist; Dr. Krishnakumar K., Nephrologist at Hamad Hospital; and Dr. Hema K.P., Gynaecologist at Aster MIMS, along with other healthcare professionals.

The camp was supported by the United Nurses of India Qatar (UNIQ), Wellcare Pharmacy, the Indian Pharmacist Association Qatar and the Indian Physiotherapy Forum. Non-governmental organisations, including Qatar Red Crescent, Qatar Diabetes Association and Sheikh Jassim Foundation, also extended their cooperation, contributing to the delivery of a wide range of healthcare and support services.

More than 140 specialist doctors, over 150 nurses and more than 40 pharmacists took part in the camp, while over 500 volunteers, including men, women and students associated with CIC Qatar, contributed to its smooth conduct. The participation of healthcare professionals, community organisations and volunteers made it possible to provide comprehensive services to a large number of beneficiaries in a well-coordinated setting.

Organised consistently over the past two decades, the Asian Medical Camp has grown into one of the largest community-based free medical initiatives among expatriate communities in the GCC. Having supported tens of thousands of people over the years, the initiative continues to serve as an important healthcare support system for low-income expatriates and vulnerable sections of society.

The 20th edition was led by General Convener Naufal Paleri, Convener Mushthak Hussain and Camp In-charge Dr. Shafeeq Thappi, with the active involvement of CIC Qatar members, medical professionals, partner organisations and volunteers.

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