SANGHAR: More than 300 people received free healthcare services at a community camp in Abdul Karim Village, Sanghar, where dental and medical teams provided consultations, assessed health concerns and shared guidance on prevention and timely care.
Held at the village otak, the camp brought together dental professionals, medical personnel and physiotherapy students to make basic healthcare services more accessible to local residents. Alongside clinical assessments and consultations, free medicines were provided where required, while the dental team focused on oral-health education and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
The initiative was organised by Hira Karim, a final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at Bhittai Dental and Medical College (BDMC), Mirpurkhas. She was supported by organising team members Zeenat Zulfiquar, Zehra Shah, Shahzad Akbar and Abdullah. Colgate, Platinum and Searle supported the camp as sponsors.
Dental examinations identify common oral-health problems
The dental team, which included qualified BDS doctors and dental students, conducted oral check-ups and clinical examinations, identified dental conditions and provided guidance on oral hygiene and preventive care.
Dental caries, gingivitis and dental fluorosis were among the conditions identified during the camp. Dental caries damages tooth structure, gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums, and dental fluorosis affects the appearance of tooth enamel following excessive fluoride exposure while teeth are developing.
Beyond the clinical findings, the camp highlighted a wider concern: according to the organiser, many people attending had limited awareness of proper toothbrushing techniques, the benefits of regular brushing and the relationship between oral health and general wellbeing.
The dental team addressed these knowledge gaps through individual guidance alongside examinations, explaining the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care. Such education is particularly relevant in community settings, where an opportunity to consult dental professionals can also help people recognise problems early and understand when to seek further care.
The exact number of patients examined by the dental department was not recorded separately. The reported total of more than 300 people covers attendees served across the medical, dental and physiotherapy departments combined.
Medical consultations and physiotherapy support
The medical team included a senior doctor with an MBBS qualification and provided general consultations, clinical assessments and health guidance. Free medicines were also supplied where required.
Final-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students supported the physiotherapy services, assessing participants and offering guidance related to mobility and physical health.
Together, the three departments provided residents with access to different forms of health assessment and advice in one community setting. The initiative combined immediate clinical support with a broader emphasis on preventive healthcare and greater awareness of health-related concerns.
A personal connection to the village
Hira Karim said her connection to Abdul Karim Village was personal. The village had been named and registered in her father’s name during his lifetime. Although he died many years ago, she said, the community continued to hold a special place in her heart.
Describing the village as home to farmers, families facing financial hardship and people from diverse communities, Karim said some residents had limited access to healthcare and health education. She organised the camp to give back to the community by arranging free medical, dental and physiotherapy consultations and sharing information about preventive care.
Karim said the experience reinforced the importance of combining treatment and consultations with practical health education.
“Community healthcare initiatives should not only provide consultations and medicines but also empower people through education and awareness,” she said.
She thanked the participating healthcare professionals, organising team, volunteers and sponsors for their contributions to the camp.
Karim is also vice president of Synch BDMC. The camp, however, was organised by her personally and was not an official initiative of Synch BDMC.
Bringing healthcare and awareness closer to communities
The Sanghar camp demonstrated how community-based healthcare activities can bring dental examinations, medical advice and physiotherapy support closer to residents while creating opportunities to discuss preventive care.
For oral health in particular, the value of such initiatives extends beyond identifying existing dental problems. Clear guidance on brushing, oral hygiene and the importance of seeking professional advice can help people make more informed decisions about their health.
The camp offered a local example of how clinical services and health education can work together, while underscoring the continuing importance of making reliable healthcare information and professional consultations accessible to communities.
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