Dubai: More than 1,000 labourers received medical check-ups and consultations from specialists in multiple medical disciplines at a Health Awareness Camp on Friday.
The camp called ‘Honour Labour’ was organised by the medical wing of Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) at Ascon Labour Camp 2, Muhaisnah, which is home to 4,000 labourers.
Dr Faisal Ikram, general secretary of PAD, said the health camp was part of the ‘Honour Labour’ initiative that was launched by the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai in 2012.
“This activity is part of our social responsibility and welfare activities which create health awareness and motivate blue-collar workers to adopt healthy habits. We have been conducting these camps twice a year at various labour facilities, and once a month for the past five years at the association,” he said.
The labourers underwent basic health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI), Hepatitis C screening, dental and eye checks and cholesterol levels.
“After the basic tests, the labourers saw specialists in endocrinology, dentistry, orthopaedics and dermatology. We believe that the most common health issues labourers face are diabetes, hypertension, oral hygiene problems, skin issues, work-related injuries and back problems,” Dr Ikram said.
He said the association has invited partner hospitals to provide the labourers with facilities and check-ups.
Labourers were given lectures on the dangers of smoking, how to prevent heat stroke, personal hygiene such as hand and oral hygiene, and how to identify early diabetes.
Dr Ikram said the Roads and Transport Authority also gave awareness lecture on road safety.
“Iffco and UAE Exchange gave away gift bags to the labourers. A media company demonstrated a smart phone app that helps labourers with legal aspects and labourers were encouraged to use smart phones,” he said.
Officials from the CDA visited the campaign.
