Health Checkup and Blood Donation Camp at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail 2025 Back

Health Check-up and Blood Donation Camp at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail

In a commendable display of community service and humanitarian spirit, the Catholic Sabha in association with the Health Commission, the Lion's Club Mangalore Ladyhill, Youth CLC and YSD/ICYM of Derebail parish successfully organized a free health check-up and blood donation camp on 21 September 2025, at the Church Banquet Hall. The health check up initiative was held in collaboration with the A.J. Hospital, Kuntikan and blood donation drive in association with Wenlock hospital. 
The programme began with a short inauguration at 8:30AM. On the dias were Parish Priest Rev Fr. Joseph Martis and Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Steevan Nelson Peris, President of Lion's club Mr.Victor Moras, Catholic Sabha President Mr.Nelson Castelino, Health commission Convenor Dr.Alfreeda Pinto, Parish Council Vice President Mrs.Sheela D'Souza, Secretary Mr.Denzil Pinto, Coordinator of 21 commissions Mr.Anil Patrao, representatives of A.J. hospital and Wenlock hospital. The members of youth CLC lead the prayer, after which the Catholic Sabha president Mr.Nelson delivered the welcome address. The inaugural session concluded with an inaugural message by the Rev. Fr.Joseph Martis. Speaking at the event, Fr. Martis highlighted the church’s commitment to serving the community and emphasized the importance of a healthy society. "Our faith calls us to care for our neighbours, and this camp is a small step towards that mission,"

 The health check up aimed to provide essential medical services to the community. A team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical staff from A.J. hospital provided General medicine services including  blood pressure, blood sugar level and ECG testing and doctor's consultation; Ophthalmology services including basic eye testing for refractive errors; Cancer screening including oral health check up, and for the women breast examination and pap smear collection for testing. 

 The event, saw an overwhelming response where parishioners of all age groups attended the camp. More than 170 people benefited from the free health check-up.
 Parallel to the health camp, a blood donation drive was conducted by the Blood Bank of Wenlock hospital to address the perennial shortage of blood. The noble cause attracted numerous volunteers, who came forward to donate blood, understanding the life-saving impact of their contribution. A total of 25 units of blood were collected during the camp. All donors were provided with refreshments and a certificate of appreciation. 
As the two camps were in progress, the in charge of the blood bank Dr.Sharath kumar addressed the gathering regarding the importance of blood donation and the services rendered by Wenlock Hospital over the 175 years of its establishment. 
Later, a representative of AJ hospital Mr.Preetham Vas, spoke about various facilities and health schemes available at the hospital. He also appreciated the efforts put up by the organising committee in conducting the camp. This was followed by a demonstrative session on CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) conducted by the casualty team of AJ hospital. Many parishioners participated in the training, especially the youth took keen interest in learning the details of this life saving procedure in emergency situations. 

The formal programme concluded by a heartfelt Vote of thanks by the Convenor of the Health Commission Dr.Alfreeda Pinto. The Heads of Teams from AJ hospital, Wenlock blood bank and the Lion's club Mangalore Ladyhill were presented with  mementos as a token of gratitude. The whole programme was compered by Ms.Preethi Pais, Youth CLC member. Several youngsters from the Youth CLC and YSD served as volunteers. 
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 The organizers expressed their gratitude to the volunteers and participants, and announced that they plan to hold similar camps in the future. The event not only provided critical health services but also raised awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and voluntary blood donation, reinforcing the message of compassion and community welfare.

Report by: Dr. Alfreeda L. Pinto
Pictures: Roshan Fernandes