‘School Health Awareness Program’ for IISJ students at Jeddah
JEDDAH – The Consul General of India, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, has highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare campaigns for overall health and well-being.
Addressing a “School Health Awareness Program” for the students of International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ), as part of a series of events under the ‘Fit India Campaign’ of the Government of India, CG Suri emphasized meaningful collaborations between the Consulate General and the Indian community in the Kingdom’s Western Region to promote health and well-being of the Indian community, in general, and that of the student community in particular.
The health awareness program at the IISJ (Boys’ Section) here at the weekend (January 16, 2025) was organized jointly by the Indian Doctors Medical Forum (IDMF) and the Consulate General of India.
As part of the program, eye screening tests were conducted for IISJ students at three different locations. More than 6,000 eye screening tests of students of pre-primary and primary classes were conducted and about 800 students were found to have basic vision problems.
A team of experienced ophthalmologists conducted the computerized screening which covered basic vision tests, checks for common refractive errors, and evaluations for early signs of conditions like myopia, hypermetropia, and amblyopia. The camp identified the students requiring corrective measures, such as eyeglasses or further medical attention, ensuring appropriate referrals for follow-up care.
School officials and staff expressed their gratitude for this meaningful endeavor, recognizing its potential to significantly enhance the learning experiences and quality of life for the children. In his address, IDMF President Dr Ashfaque Maniyar emphasized the role of regular eye check-ups in maintaining overall health and academic performance.
The “School Health Awareness Program” is aimed at promoting good health among students by detecting the health issues at an early stage. The Consulate General and the IDMF plan to conduct a series of health awareness events in phases during 2025-26, which will include eye, dental, ENT and general health screening.
Dr. Iqbal Musani, IDMF’s honorary advisor and mentor said after correction remedies deficient children seeing the blackboard and hearing the teacher properly in the class has a big bearing on their performance. Knowing this at the initial stages of education will improve the performance instantly and has great effect on the academic of the student. “I started this when I was in the MC of the school and saw dramatic changes when we gave correction remedies in the form of eye glasses and curing the hearing problem.
These are the two necessities to correct. When IDMF was formed and included me as an advisor, I thought to repeat the adventure. We have noticed from this camp (still in progress) that many students have been identified as having problems. We will suggest remedies to parents; if they can afford well and good, if not we are planning to provide them with the help of some sponsors. The performance immediately improves and the child becomes more confident in future studies. IDMF has plans to discover such qualities and provide proper remedies.”
Dr Musani was grateful to Dr Maniyar for his keenness to extend all help. “The impetus comes from Dr Saleem, MC member and general secretary of IDMF. Last but not least, other members also deserve appreciation for all the good work they have been doing,” he said.
The most important role is of the principal and teachers of the school who have extended all cooperation, he said promising to do his best in providing appropriate remedies to the needy students.
Dr Musani added that there were plans to organize a camp for the detection of anemia in students from 8th to 12th class by lady doctors. “The cases of anemia (lack of hemoglobin in blood) are quite high in this growing age group resulting in weakness, listlessness and lack of concentration in the learning process. Remedies are very simple. Only proper identification and notification are necessary,” he said.
He said plans are afoot to conduct a seminar/workshop on diabetes and high blood pressure before Ramadan (tentatively starting March 1). The program will be useful in finding ways and means to change the protocol of meals (Sahoor and Iftaar) in Ramadan for diabetic and pre-diabetic persons, he said.
IDMF President Dr. Maniyar said the health awareness program is a unique screening camp for school children in different health aspects. “We started with a vision screening camp. This will be followed by ENT (hearing test) dental (oral hygiene) and general pediatric health check-up,” he said. The motto of the screening camps is “Early detection will lead to a healthy life.”
IDMF General Secretary Dr. Saleem said the health screening camp was desperately needed to ensure the health of all IISJ students. He said more such camps are in the pipeline for the wellness of the Indian community in Jeddah.
IISJ Principal Mohammed Imran described the camp at IISJ as a highly valued initiative. Early disease detection is crucial for the effective learning of children. The eye screening conducted for approximately 6,000 children from KG to Grade V is a significant undertaking and was accomplished through the combined efforts of the CGI, medical professionals from IDMF, and the dedicated staff of IISJ, he said.
To further enhance the well-being of the students, plans include ENT screenings, dental checkups, and general health screenings in collaboration with the aforementioned organizations, he added.
Mrs. Farah Masood, IISJ Vice Principal (Girls’ Section) said the health screening organized by the IMDF for IISJ students is a milestone as it is the first eye screening camp with the participation of around 3,000 students. She thanked all the IMDF executive members, doctors and staff members for the successful camp.
