Media Release
Brahmavar, Jul 1: The Rotary Club of Brahmavar marked a significant milestone by successfully conducting its 276th free monthly mental health camp at Rotary Samaja Mandira on Wednesday, July 1, completing 23 consecutive years of uninterrupted service to the community.
Held on the first Wednesday of every month since its inception, the camp has become a vital mental healthcare initiative for people across Brahmavar and neighbouring areas, providing free psychiatric consultations and medication to those in need.
The camp was led by renowned psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandary, medical director and consultant psychiatrist at A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi, who has been associated with the initiative since its launch. Along with his medical team, Dr Bhandary conducted psychiatric evaluations and counselling for patients, continuing the camp's mission of making mental healthcare accessible while reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
One of the camp's distinguishing features is the distribution of 30 days of free psychiatric medication to every patient after consultation. The medicines are provided through the generous support of local donors and philanthropic organisations, ensuring continuity of treatment.
The programme coincided with National Doctors' Day, during which doctors present at the camp were felicitated with shawls, bouquets, fruit baskets and mementoes in recognition of their dedicated service. The occasion also marked the 80th National Doctors' Day, observed across India in honour of Bharat Ratna Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
The event also recognised the continued support of the Global Barkurians Charitable Trust (GBCT), a long-time partner of the initiative. Trustee Archibald Furtado was felicitated for the trust's sustained contribution to the camp.
Speaking on the occasion, he lauded Rotary Brahmavar for its unwavering commitment to humanitarian service and described the mental health camp as a shining example of compassion in action. The presence of GBCT trustee Kishore Gonsalves was also acknowledged.
The July camp was jointly sponsored by the Global Barkurians Charitable Trust, Rotary Club of Brahmavar and the Rotary Social Welfare Trust.
Among those present were Rotary Club of Brahmavar president Alwyn Andrade, Walter Cyril Pinto, Ashok Kumar Shetty, Rotary members, donors, volunteers and well-wishers.
Rotary Brahmavar expressed gratitude to Dr P V Bhandary, his medical team, sponsors, donors and volunteers for their continued support in sustaining the initiative for over two decades. The club also invited the public to make use of the free mental health camp, held on the first Wednesday of every month at Rotary Samaja Mandira, Brahmavar.