By Riddhi Ajay Bhatia for BIS Mumbai
A one-day community camp focusing on documentation services, general healthcare, and eye care was organised for the migrant community in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai to support families who often face difficulties in accessing essential services. The programme aimed to improve access to healthcare facilities and government documentation while creating awareness about available social welfare schemes for migrant families living in the area.
Nearly 200 participants benefited from the programme, witnessed encouraging participation from community members throughout the day. The eye care camp was organised by the Rotary Club Smart City in association with Don Bosco Development Service. A total of 45 members of the migrant community availed themselves of basic eye screening and primary eye care services. Medical professionals conducted vision tests and provided guidance on maintaining eye health, especially for individuals exposed to dust, pollution, and long working hours that affect eyesight. The camp helped address common vision- concerns and identify individuals who may require further medical attention or corrective measures.
Alongside the eye care services, a general medical camp was organised to ensure comprehensive healthcare support. Twenty-three community members benefited from medical consultations and basic health check-ups, including monitoring of blood pressure, general physical assessment, and advice on preventive healthcare. Doctors also provided guidance on nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of early medical intervention. The camp focused on general health assessment and early identification of common health issues, contributing to improved health awareness among participants.
In addition to healthcare services, a follow-up documentation camp was conducted as part of the programme to address the documentation challenges faced by migrant families. Forty-five Aadhaar cards were distributed to beneficiaries, enabling access to essential identity documentation required for various government services. The camp also facilitated the documentation process for seven Ayushman Bharat cards, allowing eligible families to benefit from government-supported healthcare schemes. Information and assistance were also provided regarding ration card-related queries, including procedures for applying for temporary ration cards and understanding eligibility requirements.
The programme addressed key needs of the migrant population by integrating healthcare services with documentation support under one initiative. Such combined efforts help reduce barriers to accessing healthcare and social security schemes, particularly for migrant families who often face mobility and documentation challenges that prevent them from receiving government benefits.
The programme was facilitated by Fr Barnabe D’Souza, Rector of Social Development Services, and Mathew George, Social Development Service Coordinator, who guided the coordination of activities. Members of the Social Development Team of Don Bosco, Nerul Saira, Kavita, and Sunetra supported the implementation of the programme and assisted beneficiaries throughout the camp. Special thanks to Nazia, President of the Rotary Club Smart City, along with community leaders and volunteers who helped mobilise participants and ensured the smooth execution of the programme for migrant and underprivileged families.
The one-day camp highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between civil society organisations and service groups in addressing the healthcare and documentation needs of migrant communities.