BY MAHADEV DESAI
The 9th SAI Health Fair sponsored by the Gandhi Foundation of USA, (GFUSA); Shiv Aggarwal and Global Mall, and Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA); was held at the Impact Conference Center, Global Mall on Saturday, September 24. The Health Fair, spearheaded by well-known Macon-Atlanta physician, Dr. Sujatha Reddy was organized as a tribute to the life and legacy and 136th Birthday Anniversary of Gandhi and to promote the philosophies of Gandhi and King-non-violence, self-less service and Social justice.
Over 300 people of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests services provided by 34 physicians representing 17 specialties including chiropractic; 12 nurses, including 4 nurses from Dr. Sujatha Reddy’s Macon office; and 6 technicians who attended to the various health related concerns of the people after they registered for blood tests, EKGs; bone density tests; glaucoma screenings; diabetic and nutritional education.
This time, efficient arrangements including on-line registration by Vijuk Chiliveru, helped in quick treatment of people who were lined-up as early as 6.45 a.m.The hallway and well lighted Conference Center had neatly laid out tables, where over 200 EKGs were provided by Cardiovascular Group, Lawrenceville, and Southern Heart Specialists, Riverdale; over 60 bone density tests taken by Cumming Family Medicine, Cumming; and glaucoma screenings were provided by Eye physicians and surgeons, Decatur, Georgia. 165 cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with PSA, HBA1c,Sickle cell prep. were carried out at a nominal fee of $15 per test. It is noteworthy that the results of the bloodwork were mailed within 48 hours! The test results helped identify several life threatening situations which were immediately notified to the persons concerned.
Abbott arranged for the continental breakfast for the participants, whereas Eli Lilly/Udipi provided delicious lunch. Health Fair publicity and coverage was provided by Namaste-Bombay; Khabar magazine;nripulse, Atlantadesi and atlantadunia websites In addition, Presidents of several local Associations were requested to notify their members about the Health Fair.Photography services were provided by Vinod Devlia(who also volunteered at the Health Fair) and Krishna Murthy.
Acting Chairman, GFUSA, Subash Razdan complimented Dr Sujatha Reddy and the team of doctors, nurses and volunteers for the successful Health Fair. He said he was impressed with the big turnout which included many elderly and disabled and absence of long queues because of efficient arrangements. He concluded by thanking all the supporting sponsors.
Echoing Razdan’s sentiments, owner of Global Mall, Shiv Aggarwal, added that he felt proud that the Health Fair was held in the Global Mall and was thrilled to see the magnificent response.” It is gratifying to support such Health Fairs which reflect the humanitarian facet of our Indian culture’ he concluded.
Ebullient Dr Sujatha Reddy, thanked the GFUSA, Shiv Aggarwal, President, TAMA, Krishnamohan Pinnamaneni, Sanjay Patel and family for providing Impact Conference Center and also volunteering services, Abbott, Eli Lilly, supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the Health Fair a big success.The mission of the SAI Health Fairs is to create an awareness of the importance of preventive health care among the public-detection, prevention and cure. “ Cure the patient today and protect the community tomorrow. Too often we hear of illness that could have been prevented if it had been detected earlier” she said.
Dr. Reddy’s SAI Health Fairs are vehicles of social service and welfare and a shining example of outreach of the medical services to the disabled, aged, needy and neglected in the society. Restless and driven, Dr. Reddy has perceived the acute need for such Health Fairs, and is striving relentlessly to contribute all she can in meeting this need.
