Manavata'Chicago Telugu Association conducts free medical camp

The Chicago Telugu Association (CTA) and North America Telugu Society (NATS) organised its first free medical camp in Chicago on Saturday, 16 June at the Indo-American Center located at 6326 North California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659.

This 'Humanity' (Manavata) program, conducted under the supervision of Dr.Heyer Paul Devarapalli M.D, an Internal medicine physician practicing out of two office locations including Des plaines and Arlington Heights, Illinois.

The event was open to students, parents, and families. Physicians, registered nurses and other health professionals were invited to contribute to this charitable effort.

Most of the visitors were women and the elderly, often without health insurance, seeking a second opinion, or in need of someone who could understand and speak their language.

Each patient received an average of one hour of medical attention, and at least $100,000 worth of services was delivered. There were 15 doctors in attendance: 6 attending physicians, Dr Parveen Ikram-Naaz, Nephrologist was kind enough to see patients from start to end of the event, Dr Pilla trinadha Rao M.D has arrived all the way from Springfield, Il to serve this event.

Also Dr Rumana Siddiqui M.D, Ruhi Askari M.D, Dr Rena Paul M.D internal medicine/Family Practice specialists also rendered their services , Dr Prem Kumar an anesthesiologist , Nurse practioner Helen Muddamalle has diligently worked and seen several patients from start to the end of the event.

Three physiotherapists led by Mrs. Kavitha Achanta, and several resident physicians served the event including Dr Jamal, Dr Lavanya, Dr Ramya, Dr Kranthi, Dr Suneetha, Dr Vipin .

Those seeking consultation had their vitals taken almost immediately upon arrival, before waiting for their number to be called for individual attention. 4 volunteers from Assure Home Healthcare, Inc., which caters to senior citizens across Chicago land, manned the vital signs booth.

The patients were seen by the physicians and prescriptions were given, following which they had bloods drawn for blood tests, the bloods were drawn by Dr Devarapalli's staff, Manager Kimberly McLaughlin, medical assistants Jessica and Leslie who had put an extreme effort in doing so.

Also blood glucose checking glucometers were given to all diabetic patients. The CTA's Manavata committee led by Sridhar Mumgandi and members have assumed the roles of volunteers and magnificently helped the event for its great success. Mr. Vasanth Charles has taken the lead at registration process.

Primary diagnosis diagnosed and treated mainly were high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, lung problems, neurological diseases, back pain, abdominal problems etc..

Dr Devarapalli stated it was a gratifying experience for the whole team helping the people in need especially our own Indian community. And commended the service oriented nature of CTA.

He also thanked assure home health for rendering their services freely, and NRI labs for helping with all the blood tests. He has plans to conduct these camps in collaboration with CTA more often to provide the continuity of care and urged all the health care professionals to come forward and participate in this noble cause.

For follow-up, there is a toll free helpline CTA (888-687-2821) and NATS - 1.888.4. Telugu, with someone always on call to provide advice, which is moreover not restricted to medical matters.

The CTA, which does not charge any membership fees, was recognized by Mayor Daley in his annual South Asia dinner, after just 1 year of its founding in July 2009. Most of its volunteers are young successful professionals eager to serve the community both here and back in India.

North America Telugu Association (NATS), the parent organization based in New Jersey, has been running such health camps since 2010 under the supervision of Dr.Madhu Korrapati. The program has been so successful that they now run a permanent clinic in Edison, NJ.

Founded to nurture the Telugu heritage across Chicago land and beyond, CTA extends its help hotline and various support services to all Indian immigrants in difficulty.

Through the Indo-American Cancer Society, CTA also works with Hyderabad-based Basavatarakam Cancer Institute to help poor patients in India.

CTA and NATS plans to hold these Manavata camps quarterly and appeals to other health-services organizations, especially to collaborate in these efforts.

CTA President Srinivas Chundu expressed sincere thanks to the entire Manavata team - led by program coordinator Sridhar Mumgandi, and volunteers Ravi Achanta, Ramesh Maryala, Srinivas Boppana, Emmanuel Neela, Lakshmanjee Kolli, Varaprasad Bodapati, Pavan Vallabhaneni, Vijay Venigalla, Rao Achanta, VenkataRamana Modalavalasa, Subbarao Potrevu, Jayakrishna Vallabhaneni, Venkat Ganne, Celestina Deverapalli, Krystal Muddamalle, Vincent Muddamalle, Vasanth Charles and many others for their selfless support in executing the program.

CTA thanked NATS team and Dr. Madhu Korrapati for providing the kits for the medical camp. CTA thanked Mrs. Suneetha Doma and Mrs.Gita Chawla of Indo-American center for providing the facility for Manavata event.