Under its commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS), a day-long medical camp was organised at Baba Island by the Merck-Pakistan on Monday where medical services were provided to all communities free of charge.
A team of specialised doctors and paramedics treated over 400 patients suffering from various diseases. Healthcare services included eye, dental and medical check-ups following ENT procedures, gynaecology, treatment for skin diseases, etcetera. Free medicines based on the prescriptions were also distributed among the needy patients; whereas, the Merck staff members also carried out blood pressure checks, sugar and ECG tests. Patients flocked the camp from early morning and continued to stream in till late in the evening.
Most of the patients that arrived at the camp were suffering from anaemia, acute and chronic diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal diseases, malaria, malnutrition and resulting diseases, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, and some obstetric and gynaecological problems. While inaugurating the medical camp, Merck-Pakistan Managing Director AB Khan explained about camp’s targets and needs. He said the basic purpose of setting up free medical camp at the Baba Island was to assist the poor people, who are unable to get proper medical services in the area.
“Conscious of its social responsibility, Merck continuously supports community health activities for providing better healthcare for ailing humanity.” Lectures were delivered on diabetic foot hypoglycaemia and its treatment by consultant diabetologist Dr Mansoor Ali; diet and lifestyle modification by Dr Fariduddin; while Dr Shakeel Ahmed spoke on targets and medication.
The lectures were elaborate and informative for the attendees. Merck has already constructed a 12-bed hospital at Baba Island, with in-house medical facilities including ultrasound, x-ray, and an operation theatre. The hospital is spread over an area of 6200 square feet and offers exceptional services. The multinational company has also undertaken the responsibility to finance, organise and manage the hospital for the welfare of the people inhabiting the islands.
