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Photo credit  Ravi Ponangi
GAPI/SAI HEALTH FAIR at the Festival of India

By Mahadev Desai

The GAPI/SAI Health Fair, held at the 14th Festival of India celebrations at the Gwinnett Center, on Saturday, August 14, 2010 elicited a good response. The Health Fair was organized jointly by Atlanta’s well known cardiologist and GAPI President Dr.Sreeni Gangasani, and SAI Health Fair’s Founder, Dr. Sujatha Reddy. The Health Fair was organized as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and also to promote his and Dr. Martin Luther King’s philosophies of Non-violence, community service and Social justice. The event was supported by Muthalamada Sneham Charities; Hindu American Seva Charities;IACA; Hindu Temple of Atlanta; and TAMA. GAPI President-elect Dr.Dilip Patel and Secretary Dr.Abhishek Gaur helped during the Health Fair..

On the sunny Saturday morning, over 250 people of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultancy and tests services provided by 35 dedicated physicians representing over 17 specialties, 9 nurses and over 50 service-oriented volunteers who attended to the various health- related concerns of the people after they registered for blood tests, free EKGs; free glaucoma screenings, orthopedics, oral-facial surgery, free Bone Density tests to detect osteoporosis and Free Consultancy in dentistry, dermatology, endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, physical therapy, chronic pain, stress management and Gynecology.

Many, including elderly and disabled people, lined-up as early as 7.45 a.m.The spacious and well- lighted hall had neatly laid
 
 
Photo credit Heather Khanna  

out tables, where over 96 EKGs were carried out, by Cardiovascular Group, Lawrenceville, Georgia for males, and Commerce Cardiology,Commerce,Georgia, for females. 4 audiogram and hearing tests were carried out by Sridhar Krishnamurthy. And over 40 vision and Glaucoma screening tests were done by Indira Menon from the Eye physicians and surgeons, Decatur, Georgia. Bone Mineral Density screening tests were in big demand About 40 plus bone-density tests were performed by Madhusudhana Siddagunta, Vijaya Reddy. Blood tests too were in big demand. Over 130 cost –effective, basic quality comprehensive Chemistry profile of blood tests with PSA, and HBA1c were carried out at a nominal fee of $25 per test. The lab work was provided by the American Clinical Labs. It is noteworthy that the results of the blood work were mailed within 48 hours! The test results helped identify some life threatening results which were immediately notified to the participants.

The Director of Nursing, Gladys Paul and Business Development Officer Tim O’Brien of Camellia Home Health, who had a booth at the Fair said that the fair was an excellent experience for them to speak with different members of the South Asian community about ways to improve their overall health. They enjoyed participating in the Health Fair and looked forward to continuing their relationship with GAPI and the SAI Health Fair.

GAPI and SAI Health Fair arranged for the complimentary fruit trays, water bottles, cookies, beverages, and lunches for participants, doctors, nurses and volunteers.

The Health Fair publicity and coverage was carried out by Khabar magazine; India Abroad, Nripulse.com, wownow.com and Atlantadunia.com. In addition, presidents of several local Associations also helped to notify their members about the Health Fair. Digital video and media reporting was done by Mahadev Desai and photography by Ravi Ponangi and Heather Khanna.

Photo credit Heather Khanna

 
Both Dr Sujatha Reddy and Dr.Gangasani thanked supporting sponsors; the team of physicians, nurses, students and dedicated volunteers who together helped make the Health Fair a big success. commented, “Inspired by compassion, dedication and commitment, many selfless physicians, Health Care professionals, volunteers, Community and Faith-based organizations have joined their hands in successfully staging this Health Fair.

 
  Gladys Paul and Tim O’Brien at the Camellia Booth


An ebullient Dr.Gangasani commented,” I would like GAPI to get involved with more health and education related charitable activities. GAPI is working on establishing a clinic to see uninsured on regular basis. In these tough economic times I want people to utilize these opportunities to maintain a healthy life. Both Dr.Sujatha Reddy and I thank IACA President Padma Rallapalli for all her help in organizing this successful health fair.”