Medical Clinic at Thotalanga  

9^th April 2008 - A medical clinic was organized by ADT and New Life Medical Clinic run by New Life Church Kotahena, for the shanty community in Thotalanga. These shanty dwellers live in poverty and lack proper medical care as they have to travel far to reach a hospital.  Those who suffer most are the children and the elderly. 

As access to the people who live in rows of shacks in the interiors of Thotalanga is poor, the medical clinic was run from the house of a child member from the Change Maker Club in Thotalanga, within easy reach of most of the target area. ADT representatives visited the area a day ahead and distributed 100 appointments/numbers to those who needed medical attention.  

The entire neighbourhood cooperated, lending chairs, tables, fans etc needed to efficiently run the clinic. The medical clinic was conducted by 3 volunteer nurses and a doctor from the Castle Street National Hospital. The nurses displayed great efficiency, registering patients and dispensing drugs prescribed by the doctor. ADT staff attended to the welfare of the doctor, nurses and other logistic needs and helped to carry out the clinic in an orderly manner. The majority of patients were children and women. As it was a week day there was a notable absence of adult male patients.  

Medication was sought for phlegm related ailments such as coughs, colds, asthma, also skin diseases, arthritis, worm treatment etc. Patients who required testing were tested for blood pressure and blood sugar. Free medicines were also distributed.  

 “We rarely go to a doctor as we have to go far to consult one and also because we cannot afford to buy medicines” said Rashmi, a young woman who sought treatment at the clinic. “This is the first time we had a service like this in our community. I think this is a very good service” she continued. 

Although 100 appointments (numbers) were given, as the word about the free clinic spread, patients kept pouring in. In total 182 patients were treated; the majority being children. ADT proposes to follow up with instructions on basic hygiene practices with this community.