Indian Medical Association & Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) Trust to organize ‘Mega Health Expo’ to mark ‘World Health Day’ at Kadri Park, Mangaluru on 6 & 7 April 2019
Mangaluru: April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization. World health day 2019 theme -Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of services needed throughout life—from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Universal health coverage is WHO’s number one goal. Key to achieving it is ensuring that everyone can obtain the care they need, when they need it, right in the heart of the community. Progress is being made in countries in all regions of the world. But millions of people still have no access at all to health care. Millions more are forced to choose between health care and other daily expenses such as food, clothing and even a home. This is why WHO is focusing on universal health coverage for this year’s World Health Day, on 7 April.
This campaign aims to help people better understand what universal health coverage means – what services and support should be available and where. Health workers are the voice for their patients. Health workers have the power to change people’s lives with quality health advice and care. Health-care workers will have an important role to play in the campaign, helping decision-makers for health recognize what people need in terms of care, particularly at the primary care level. Health is a human right; everyone should have the information and services they need to take care of their own health and the health of their families. We know universal health coverage is possible, let’s make it happen!
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangaluru Press Club, Dr B Sachidanand Rai- president of Indian Medical Association-Mangaluru Chapter said, “Indian Medical Association is the only representative, national voluntary organisation of Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine. Mangaluru branch of IMA being the second largest branch in Karnataka state is planning to organize a “Mega Health Expo” on April 6 Saturday & 7 Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm in association with Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) Trust Mangaluru”.
Dr Rai further said, “This event which is first of its kind in the City of Mangaluru is organized to bring all health-related sectors under one roof to give comprehensive to the general public. Sandeep Patil, Commissioner of Police, Dakshina Kannada District has consented to inaugurate this Medical Expo at 10.30 am on Saturday, 6 April. In addition to this IMA is also urging policymakers to take health-related issues on a priority basis and allocate sufficient resources. On these two days, there will other programs, like Poster competition for school and college students; Health education plays and skits on April 6th & 7th evening; and Cleanliness drive along with Ramakrishna Mission on April 7th, as part of Swachh Mangaluru Campaign”
Other members present during the press meet were Dr Annayya Kulal- President-Elect and Dr Vinay Kumar-Treasurer, both of IMA; and Dr Diwakar Rao- President AMC Trust.