Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta’s laudable Health Fair for the Community

Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta’s laudable Health Fair for the Community

By Mahadev Desai

In the past, Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta has either on its own or in collaboration with other Organizations and Associations helped the community with its laudable Health Fairs. Last year, on Saturday October 10 it organized a very successful Health Fair in collaboration with the Sai Health Fair;Gandhi Foundation of USA;Sneham Charity Organization;BAPS Charities; Patel Bros.;Global Mall and Khabar Inc.

This year, Gujarati Samaj organized yet another Health Fair in collaboration with the Gandhi Foundation of USA, at the Sardar Patel Bhavan Hall on Saturday, October 2,2010.The Health Fair was organized as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi on his 141 the birthday and also to promote his and Dr.Martin Luther King’s philosophies of Non-violence, community selfless service and social justice.

On the sunny Saturday morning, over 120 people of diverse nationalities and culture from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests services provided by 24 dedicated physicians, 13 nurses, EKG technicians,7 allied Health Care professionals(– Physician assistant, Pharmacist, Physical therapist;, Respiratory therapy, and Sleep technologists) and many service-oriented volunteers. including from Emory University, Gujarati Samaj Board of Governors; Executive Council, and members, who all attended to the various health related concerns of the people who registered for consultancy in various specialties like Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonary, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Oral surgery, Intervention Radiology, OB/Gyn, Urology, and Sleep specialist.

The spacious and well- lighted halls had neatly laid out tables for the physicians and equipment and comfortable seating for the waiting patients. The blood work was carried out on Saturday, September 25th, and the results were available for consultation on October 2nd.

Gujarati Samaj arranged for the complimentary beverages and snacks for Participants and lunch for all the physicians, nurses and volunteers. The publicity and coverage of the Health Fair was done by Khabar magazine, NRIPULSE newspaper, wownow.com, Atlantadunia.com; Kavitachhibber.com.The photography services were provided by Ketan Shah.

In his appreciatory comments,the Gandhi Foundation of USA Chairman, Subash Razdan said, “" Gandhi Foundation Congratulates Gujarati Samaj in promoting civic engagement/education and Community Service, ideals cherished by Gandhi Ji, among Indian Americans and thus celebrating the diversity of USA"

And Antony Thaliath, the Executive Director of Gandhi Foundation of USA commented, “GFUSA is greatly appreciative of the humanitarian services of Gujarati Samaj especially the Health Fair conducted on Gandhiji's birth anniversary day, October 2nd providing healthcare service to hundreds in our community. Our dedication to humanitarian services is more relevant in these days of economic difficulties and it is admirable that Gujarati samaj is in the forefront in extending its hand in serving the community through such Health Fairs. GFUSA is proud to join hands with the Gujarati Samaj in this noble outreach service.” The past President of Gujarati Samaj, Vinodbhai Patel and his wife Arunaben Patel, who are also members of the GFUSA, rendered lot of voluntary help during the Health Fair.

Atlanta’s well known cardiologist and GAPI President Dr.Sreeni Gangasani not only attended the Health Fair but also gave consultancy services. In his laudatory comments he said, “I wish to applaud Gujarati Samaj for organizing today’s Health Fair and giving me an opportunity to participate in it. So far GAPI has conducted 2 health fairs and is looking at doing 2 more in the next few months. GAPI is also working on opening a free clinic in Norcross area. We are hoping to serve our community as well as others who are not able to get health care secondary to financial reasons on regular basis with opening of the free clinic. We are working with local health care facilities and state regarding the logistics of operating the clinic.”

Some of the comments from the patients, received by the Gujarati Samaj, “the best health fare I have ever visited”. “Personal, not crowded”. “Gujarati samaj should do it every year”. “This is the first time a doctor explained my problems in Gujarati”.

The President of Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta, Vipul Patel thanked supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses, students and dedicated volunteers who inspired by compassion, dedication and commitment, together helped make the Health Fair a big success.” I would especially like to thank Dr.Dipak Patel, Dr.Rajesh Jasani and Ketan Shah along with the BOG and Executive Committee members for their immense help.”