Rationale
The MS Society of India (MSSI) organises free one-day medical camps for people with MS. This allows economically deprived people with MS and their families to see a variety of medical specialists in a sympathetic and accessible setting.
Objectives
- To make full check-ups by neurologists and other specialists freely available to the economically disadvantaged, and to people from remote areas who are otherwise deprivedof medical expertise.
- To enable MS professionals to answer questions from family members something that is seldom possible in busy and crowded clinics. Questions are invited before the camp and circulated to healthcare professionals to avoid repetition.
- To help to avoid stress and strain to people with MS who have mobility problems, yet normally must visit a variety of medical specialists at different times and places (which usually are inaccessible).
- To arrange for government authorities to issue disability certificates that entitle people with MS to special benefits including income tax rebate, travel concessions, etc.
Background
In India there is no financial help from government, nor public insurance for those who have MS. Medical consultation charges and treatment are beyond the reach of many. All too often, people with MS from deprived backgrounds bear their MS attacks silently, becoming more disabled without any support. Meanwhile, those who do visit the general hospital face long and distressing waits which canexacerbate fatigue and other MS symptoms.
Depending on their symptoms, people with MS need to visit a variety of specialists including:
ophthalmologists, urologists, neuro-psychiatrists, general physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses. In addition, their families often have many queries for these experts. It became clear to MSSI that there was need for free medical camps, where check-ups, treatment, medicines, disability certificates and answers could be provided, and which would improve the quality of life for people with MS. MSSI receives sponsorship and donations from pharmaceutical companies regularly.
Marketing the programme
Brochures and flyers are printed and distributed to all registered people with MS. Advertisements are placed in the local newspapers and on local radio networks. MSSI also displays brochures in general hospitals, pharmacies, railway stations and so on. This also helps raise public awareness of MS.
| Programme structure
Prior to the camp, the MSSI registers people with MS attending and takes a complete medical history. MSSI keeps all files updated adding follow-up reports from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and specialists, as well as prescription details.
The camp lasts five to six hours. Separate booths, with necessary equipment and beds, are allotted to each doctor. The doctor receives a list of patients and free medicine is available. MSSI also assigns volunteers to assist all healthcare professionals and attendees.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy booths are busiest. Lots of attendees learn by watching exercise demonstrations given by senior therapists. These senior therapists work alongside MSSI-employed juniors, who then regularly visit attendees at their homes.
A large area is provided to a team of government doctors who evaluate the medical papers of the people with MS and issue much needed disability certificates.
These allow people to obtain several government benefits offered to physically challenged people.
There is a resting place for attendees where they can meet other people with MS.
Wheelchairs and walkers are available to assist those with mobility difficulties.
Outcome/Results
The first free medical camp was held in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in 1998. Since then it has become a regular event and the most popular MSSI project in Mumbai. Today nearly 200 attend the event, where over 25 senior doctors and their assistants give treatment and advice. The camp is also available in some other chapters of MSSI.
An “extension programme” of the camp has introduced one-hour home physio/occupational therapy visits three times a week for 60-70 people with MS around Mumbai. Many receive this session free, whilst for others it is subsidised heavily.
Project costs
● Brochures, flyers, advertisements in newspapers and on local radio
● Venue with special booths and other equipment
● Transport for people with MS
● Food and drinks for all present (150 to 200)
● Photography
● Mementos for volunteers
● Stationery
Limitations
● Some doctors, due to emergencies, may not be able to attend the camp or need to leave early.
● When unexpectedly large numbers of MS families attend the camp it can overrun and cause confusion in agreed appointment schedules.
● If people are switched from their regular neurologist it can create awkward situations.
Suggestions
● Get sponsorship and allow sponsors to display their materials at the venue.
● Get publicity through the media.
● Involve as many neurologists and healthcare professionals as possible for free.
● Arrange for a large number of volunteers – their support is vital.
● Ensure venues are fully accessible, transport is straightforward and parking is available.
For further information contact MSSI:
Medicines being distributed to people with MS. msindia1@vsnl.com
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