2004-1-4
Mister Chheda says doctors are treating the patients for
twenty-five diseases and medical problems. Doctors treat children as
well as adults. Doctors also perform hundreds of operations during
the camp. In addition, patients with the most serious problems are
sent to hospitals in the city of Bombay.
The Bidada medical camp began thirty years ago. At first, doctors
treated only patients with eye diseases. Then the organizers
expanded the camp to help people with other diseases. Organizers say
the medical camp has treated almost two-million people since it
began.
People in India, the United States and other countries provide
the money to operate the medical camp. About fifty doctors and
medical assistants from the United States and about two-hundred
doctors and assistants from Bombay are part of the program this
year. The doctors and other volunteers provide their services
without being paid.
Many doctors who serve in the camp were born in Kutch and are now
living in the United States. Some of them have been returning to
volunteer at the camp each year for many years. The doctors from the
United States also teach local Indian doctors the most modern
medical techniques.
The Shree Bidada Sarvodaya Trust also organizes smaller medical
camps for patients during the year. The organization operates the
hospital in Bidada and Maru Hospital in Bombay. These hospitals
treat about three-hundred patients every day.
This VOA Special English Development Report was written by
Shelley Gollust. This is Robert Cohen.