RUSM hosts annual Health Fair

Ross University - Dominica

Ross University -Dominica

In an effort to promote health education in Dominica, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) collaborated with the Roseau Health District to host a free health fair at the Roseau Riverside Square, on Saturday, October 25, 2014.

The annual event, organized by the Department of Clinical and Community Affairs, targets the Dominican community interested in access to free health care. Student doctors as well as local health practitioners performed a wide range of physical examinations to promote health awareness, such as blood glucose testing, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, hearing and vision screenings and nutritional assessments.

The community health fair has been a tradition of RUSM for over seven years, providing medical students with an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to the local community by providing access to free health services. Kasuni Kotelawala, a fourth semester student said, “This is a great experience for us, the students, being in a third-world country, where we get to be involved in a clinic setting. There are several health concerns in Dominica such as diabetes, hypertension and other diseases, and so it’s really important to provide such services to the community.”

In addition to the health screenings, the organizers of the event set up information booths promoting healthy living and the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs).

Dr. Portia J Meade-Thomas of the Roseau Health District said the response from the public has been positive. “For the most part, people are happy for counseling and education opportunities in a relaxed and comfortable setting. This has shown us that more outreach may be necessary to inform clients on the free services that are available to them at our clinics.”

Meanwhile, fourth semester student, Tijani Osumah said, “We’ve had active participation from the general public and many people have a genuine interest in making changes to improve their health.” More than 30 students participated in the event.