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Indian Islamic Association Qatar (IIAQ) and Indian Medical Association Qatar chapter (IMA) jointly organize the 8^th annual free medical camp, exclusively for low income expatriates, on 17^th April 2009 (Friday) at Al-Istiqlal Boys Secondary School, Salta Jadid. Similar to pervious years, Q-tel is the main sponsor of this camp being arranged under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). This camp also marks the conclusion of a month-long awareness campaign on “Hygiene and Health Protection” geared by the Indian Islamic Association from March 17^th 2009. The prime objective of the camp is to educate the public to maintain a healthy life. This year's camp mainly focuses on diabetes, hypertension and Asthma/ Allergy patients. This camp was initiated in 2002 with an aim to assist and support the under-privileged fraction the expatriate community in Qatar who has been suffering from various serious illnesses and health problems, but find no means of treatment. Lack of health awareness, proper medical guidance, financial problems and absence of health cards etc are the main reasons behind this pathetic situation. This camp which is the most awaited annual event by the expatiates of such categories, is a remedial measure to resolve this problem up to a possible extent. It is our pleasure to announce that 5 follow up medical camps were conducted for the selected patients who need continuous treatment and medical care in 2008, and 50 patients have been provided with free Health Cards. Moreover, IIAQ volunteers have frequently been visiting patients at various hospitals in Qatar and have been providing assistances to the needy and deserving. In addition, a dialysis unit has been set up in a hospital in India by spending IRS. 550,000/- for providing dialysis facilities at concessional rates for poor patients who cannot afford the normal fees charged for this treatment. Similarly, arrangements are being made to set up another dialysis unit in another hospital and a diagnostic centre in one of the a densely populated South Indian cities. This year’s camp is expected to be utilized by at least 3000-4000 people. More than 1100 expatriates from India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Pakistan, Nepal who draw montly wages less than QR. 1500 have already registered for the medical camp. 59 units of IIA and Islamic Youth Association (IYA) have volunteered to find out the most deserving people through individual and collective campaigns . Public can also register by phone and online. Besides the pre-registered patients maximum number of patients will be afforded by on spot registration to replace those who do not show. More than 100 Doctors from IMA Qatar Chapter and doctors and paramedical staff from various health institutions including QP will also volunteer their services for the medical camp. Indian Islamic Association members including women have started the organizing arrangements since a couple of months. As a part of awareness programs, a number of health lectures will be conducted for the public by prominent specialized doctors on different topics. An educative Medical Exhibition will be arranged with the participation of Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani Schools of Qatar in addition to Weill Cornell Medical College will be one of the significant attractions of this medical camp. Also competition for school students will be held as a part of health awareness programs . The demonstration under the title of “Cardiac Arrest: Value of Seconds” on rescue efforts provided by Hamad Medical Corporation at emergency situations will be very interesting. Qatar Diabetic Association and Red Crescent Society will arrange free blood tests at the camp pavilion and HMC will arrange a full day Blood Donation Unit (Mobile Blood Bank) at the camp site. Those intend to donate blood in future can register their data with blood bank unit. The medical camp will be held in 3 sessions, first at 7.00 am to 11.00 am followed by the second from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm and the final session will be from held 4.30 pm to 7.00 pm. The official inauguration will be held at 8.30 am. The envoys of different Asian countries in Qatar, in addition to representatives from the Ministry of Health, HMC and Q-tel, are expected to honor the camp and its inaugural session with their esteemed presence. Dr. Sameer Kalandan (President, IMA Qatar Chapter)

V. T. Abdulla Koya (President, IIAQ)