Low-wage workers receive medical aid

About 1,500 people, who are unable to afford health care, were offered free examinations by 45 medical specialists in Ras al Khaimah

RAS AL KHAIMAH // A medical camp yesterday donated Dh115,000 (US$31,300) worth of pharmaceuticals to low-wage residents of the emirate. About 1,500 people were given free medical examinations at the RAK Indian School camp, organised by the RAK Indian Association and sponsored by the RAK Medical District and Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries.

More than 45 doctors and specialists in orthopaedics, neurology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, urology, paediatrics, dentistry, radiology and psychology offered free care. Many gave back by donating their blood. One to benefit was Abdul Mannan, a driver from Bangladesh who has lived in the UAE for nine years and earns Dh1,500 a month. Mr Mannan was diagnosed with a severe chest congestion. "Even when we have money for the doctor, we normally cannot afford the medicine," he said.

Sainul Salim, the president of the RAK Indian Association, said: "Our main aim is to reach people who cannot afford health care. Many companies do not give health insurance. "This is about medical awareness. Some people have high blood sugar or blood pressure and they don't know. There are a lot of diabetics and patients with cardiac problems. Some have muscular pain from labour." Those who needed help were referred, with the RAK Indian Association paying the bill.

"There are many, mainly the blue-collar workers, who don't have an idea on how to use the healthcare services," said Dr Swamy, a surgeon at the Saqr Hospital. "People who don't know about the system here are in danger of neglecting themselves. We find people come to us at very late stages of their illness. "Those who are working in remote areas don't always know where to locate RAK's primary healthcare centres. A gathering like this is the chance to give some awareness."

Gregory P. lost his brother, who was living in Sharjah, to a stroke in 2002. His brother had worked in the UAE for 24 years without health insurance. "He was 46 years old. Now I am 45 and I feel worried. We cannot meet such expenses. We only get medical attention once a year. "We have to pay the full expense of our health care. After the first year our health card expired so there are two years on our visa when we have no coverage.

"If people have health problems they immediately meet with some debt. Some say that if they take one day's leave they will lose their job." The camp was inaugurated by Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr, the chairman of the RAK Financial Department and chief executive of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries. [e-mail]