BY MAHADEV DESAI
Photos by Vinod Devlia & Mahadev Desai
Atlanta, GA: Despite the cold and rainy weather The 34rd Sai Health Fair in coordination with the Rotary Club and Ashiana at the Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia, on Saturday, October 3, 2015, elicited a very good response with an attendance of over 300 participants. The SAI Health Fair was organized by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of Non-violence, community service and Social justice. The event was sponsored by Rotary Club and strongly supported by physicians, Georgia Indian Nurses Association(GINA), health care professionals and volunteers.
People of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy services provided by over 25 dedicated physicians representing 12 specialties, supported by over 15 nurses and technicians and 25 service-oriented volunteers who attended to the various health related concerns of the people after they registered for blood tests, free EKGs, free glaucoma and vision screenings, preventive Cardiology tests, free Bone Density tests to detect osteoporosis and free Consultancy in, Internal medicine,Family medicine, Gynecology,cardiology,dentistry endocrinology,gastroenterology, opthalmology, orthopedics, and nephrology/hypertension;dermatology, etc.
Over 90 EKGs were carried out by Commerce Cardiology Group and by Gwinnett Heart Specialists.
Dr. Samir Vera fromMilanEyeCenterand Dr. Indira Menon carried out over 36 Glaucoma and vision screening tests.
Over 50 vascular screenings were performed by Dr.Saleem Boghani. Out of these,50% were reported as abnormal.
Pramila Dupahre,MSRD, a registered Dietician/Nutritionist was consulted by over ten patients.
More than 49 bone-mineral–density tests, were performed by a team of Madhusudhana Reddy, Janet Augustine, R.N. under the supervision of Dr.Sujatha Reddy. Out of these 50% were abnormal.
Over 150 cost–effective, basic quality comprehensive chemistry profile of blood tests with HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $25. The lab work was provided by SYMED LLC in Tucker.
Stroke Risk Factor Education was provided by Mini Jacobs from GINA.
Snacks, fruits and drinks were provided to all the participants and a delicious lunch to all the doctors, technicians and volunteers by SAI Health Fair. Lunch was catered by Garuda Vilas Restaurant. Vinod Devlia helped with photography services.
GINA’s President Lilly Anickat lauded Dr.Sujatha and said GINA volunteers helped in various areas of the health fair such as registration, phlebotomy and lab works, EKG, bone density scanning, checking vital signs, health promotion and disease prevention educational activities, etc. The stroke education led by Mini Jacob and team was able to heighten public awareness of the importance of stroke prevention, risk factors and its management, warning signs, what to do in an emergency situation, treatments, and patient/family resources.
Atlanta’s well-known cardiologist and social activist and former President of GAPI, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani said,” Its always a privilege and joy to serve the community especially the uninsured or underinsured people whether in the GAPI volunteer clinic or health fairs. GAPI appreciates the excellent work done by Dr Sujatha Reddy through SAI health fairs on regular basis in metroAtlanta. She also helps in the GAPI free clinic which is open in Global mall in 1st and third Saturday of each month from 1.00 p.m. to 4-00 p.m. The services include: Dentist consultation, lab work at minimal cost, discounted rate for medications and flu shots (in season); and referrals to specialists at discounted rates. We wish to help more people in future with these programs.”
Shiv Aggarwal of Global Mall commented: “Sai Health Fair is doing selfless under the leadership of Dr. Sujatha Reddy. I feel happy that SAI Health fair at Global mall on October 3, 2015 was a huge success. I am definitely looking forward to attending more Sai Health Fairs in the future.”
Dr. Sujatha Reddy profusely thanked owner/CEO of Global Mall and President of Rotary Club of Emory Druid Hills President Shiv Aggarwal and Ashiana’s Zahid for providing accommodation at the Global Mall. She further thanked GINA President Lilly Anickat; ex-President Mary Jose; Rotary Club’s members Ravi Chander, Mustafa Ajmeri and Ravi Ponangi; supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses, and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the SAI Health Fair a big success.
