Outreach Qatar, an associate organisation of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), in association with Reyada Medical Centre, organised its first medical camp for children with special needs and their parents at Reyada’s C-Ring Road branch. The camp was the first of its kind in Qatar conducted by an organisation guided by the Embassy of India.
The camp offered free paediatric, dental, audiometry, vision and physiotherapy consultations, along with complimentary lifestyle check-ups for children and parents. Medical professionals examined the children and provided healthcare advice tailored to their individual needs.
Chief Guest Harish Pandey, First Secretary (Education and Culture) at the Embassy of India, appreciated Outreach Qatar’s voluntary commitment, inclusive approach and efficient management. He also thanked Reyada Medical Centre for supporting the initiative as part of its social responsibility efforts.
Guest of Honour Dr Riny Showkath highlighted that supporting children with special needs was a collective community responsibility. PN Baburajan, Founding Patron of Outreach Qatar and Director of Skills Development Centre, stressed the need to promote awareness and acceptance of differently-abled people.
Altaf Khan, Marketing Manager of Reyada Medical Centre, outlined the medical services provided during the camp. Rasheed Ahmed, Vice-President of ICBF, appreciated the initiative for raising awareness and providing professional support to families, while Shantanu Deshpande, Vice-President of ICC, also commended the organisers.
Outreach Qatar President Krishna Kumar welcomed the gathering and outlined the organisation’s vision and future plans. Vice-President Sameer Moosa coordinated the programme, emphasising the importance of human solidarity, while General Secretary Aquinlal delivered the vote of thanks.
As a token of appreciation, Outreach Qatar presented a memento to Reyada Medical Centre. Harish Pandey handed it over to Altaf Khan.
The event was attended by community leaders, apex body representatives and business personalities.
SLSV Analysis and Insights
- Inclusive access: Free paediatric, dental, audiometry, vision and physiotherapy consultations remove cost barriers, aligning with WHO and UNCRPD principles of equitable, early, accessible and integrated care for children with disabilities in Qatar today.
- Family-centred model: Including lifestyle check-ups for parents recognises caregiver burden, a global best practice in family-centred early intervention, counselling and psychosocial support for families in need today.
- Community-private partnership: Outreach Qatar, ICBF, Embassy of India and Reyada show an effective diaspora, civil society and private provider model for last-mile outreach, awareness and trust building.
- Emerging trend: Shift from one-off camps to continuity of care through referrals, digital health records, privilege cards, school linkage and structured follow-up pathways.
Summary:
SLSV Future direction: Add developmental screening, speech and occupational therapy, mental health support, telehealth follow-up and disability-inclusive data to track outcomes, measure impact and reduce unmet need sustainably across Qatar communities today.
Article Credit: qatar-tribune, SLSVoriginal source/SLSV