Special Olympics Sri Lanka conducts first ever Healthy Athletes – Medfest Program.
Thursday 11th March 2010 was a memorable day in the history of Special Olympics Sri Lanka. It was on this day that the first ever Healthy Athletes - MedFest Program in Sri Lanka was conducted.
The Medfest event was conducted at the General Hospital Kalutara, situated in the Kalutara District, Western Province of Sri Lanka about 50km away from Colombo
Dr. Ajith Danthanarayana, the Director of General Hospital Kalutara and also the Clinical Director for MedFest, organized a team of 32 Doctors and 12 nurses from their Hospital to assist with the screening. Also present were two medical students from Belgium who had volunteered to be a part of the Medfest event. The Doctors were briefed about the standard Special Olympics Athlete screening procedures. Ms. Kumari Fonseka, the Clinical Director for Opening Eyes, who was trained at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China, was the in charge of the Opening Eyes Screening. The Event began at 7:30 AM
150 athletes were targeted to be screened and they arrived in three batches of 50 each. A waiting area with seating capacity for 70 was arranged close to the registration table. A presentation on Health Education was conducted by the Nutritionist and Healthcare Nurse of the hospital at this place.
The 1st screening activity was checking of blood pressure and pulse. This was carried out at 4 stations (desks)
After this activity the athletes were directed to the auditorium in the 3rd floor of the hospital where 7 more screening activities were carried out. Sign boards were displayed and volunteers guided the athletes for registration and for the screening.
The 2nd activity was checking and recording of height, weight and Oxygen Saturation. Nurses handled this activity.
The 3rd activity was Eye Screening. 4 stations were set up for this activity.
The 4th activity was ENT Testing. 2 stations were set up for this activity.
The 5th activity was Oral Hygiene. 2 stations were set up for this activity.
The 6th activity was Cardiac Examination. 2 stations were set up for this activity
The 7th activity was General Medical Examination. 4 stations were set up for this activity.
The 8th activity was medication and referrals. 2 stations were set up for this activity
Nurses checked whether the athletes have been screened at the first 7 activities before sending them to the last activity stations located at the center of the auditorium where senior consultant doctors checked the completed screening sheets and made referrals and/or prescribed medicine where necessary.
A pharmacy was set up at the ground floor to issue medications. Those referred for special clinics were informed accordingly.
At the check-out each athlete was given a packet of lunch, two apples and a cake of soap which was generously donated by our supporters. Athletes were very happy to receive those gifts. Parents of the athletes were extremely happy as this was the first time that they had the opportunity where total health conditions of their children were checked at one place.
Although 150 athletes were targeted to participate at this program, only 115 turned up. 62 athletes were referred for special clinics and medicine given to 78 athletes. 10 athletes were identified as necessary to wear ear-aids.
Lion A. D. Sirisena, the President of the Parents Association for the intellectually challenged in Kalutara District came to see the proceedings and he admired the services provided to athletes.
On Dr. Ajith’s invitation, the Planning Doctor at Tangalle Hospital visited to see the program. He was impressed by the work done and he promised to arrange a meeting for us with the Director of Tangalle Hospital with the view of conducting the next MedFest program at Tangalle Hospital in Southern Province
The MedFest Program ended at about 2.00 pm. All in all it was a nice experience for doctors, nurses, volunteers and most of all for the athletes and their parents.
