Media Release

Kaup, Dec 8: A mega Cardiology camp was organised by Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, in association with the Health Commission Diocese of Udupi, Catholic Sabha, Stree Sangathan, Sr Citizen Club, ICYM, Denary Health Commission, and the Centre for Economic and Social Networking (CENS), MAHE Manipal, at Don Bosco English School, Shirva, on December 7.

An informative talk for the youth on “Protect Young Hearts” by Dr Padmanabha Kamath, was held before the formal event, which was well received by the audience. The programme commenced with a prayer song, followed by a formal welcome by Melwyn Aranha, vice president of Shirva Church.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, was felicitated on the occasion by the organisers, for his long-standing dedication to education and healthcare. In his address following the felicitation, Dr H S Ballal emphasised the need for conducting such health camps in rural areas, highlighting the importance of raising awareness among the women’s fraternity. He congratulated the organizers for taking this meaningful initiative.

The chief guest, Dr Padmanabha Kamath, founder of Cardiology at Door Steps (CAD) and unit head of the Department of Cardiology at KMC, Mangaluru, addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of cardiac health.

The programme was presided over by Fr Kiran Nazareth, ICYM director of Shirva Deanery. In his presidential address, he highlighted the importance of cardiac health and stressed the need to create awareness about mental health within the community.

This was then followed by the handover of ECG machines to the Health and Wellness Centre in Belapu, presented to Divya Anantha Gowda, Community Health Officer, and to Dr Subramanya Rao, medical officer at the Padu Belle CHO Health Centre, to support community healthcare services.

Dr Ryan Mathias, a member of the Health Commission, Udupi Diocese, introduced Dr H S Ballal, while John Fernandes, convener of the Health Commission, Shirva, introduced Dr Padmanabha Kamath to the audience. Gilbert Pinto, retired teacher compered the program

The convener of the Health Commission, Udupi, Hilda Cornelio, proposed the vote of thanks and acknowledged all supporters, including Manipal College of Health Professions, Goretti Hospital, Cardiology at Door Steps (CAD), Prathamika Arogya Kendra, Shirva, Mudarangadi, Moodubettu, and Karnataka Bank, manager of Shirva branch.

Fr Rolwyn Aranha, principal of Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva, was also present on the dais.

The public took advantage of free services, including Random Blood Sugar checks, blood pressure monitoring, body balance analysis, bone density tests, diabetic foot assessments, liver tests, ECG tests, and consultations. Overall, the mega Cardiology camp benefited more than 200 members of the community.