KARACHI, April 16: A survey conducted in the coastal areas of Keamari Town shows that tuberculosis, other diseases of chest, skin and paediatric diseases are prevalent in Keamari Town.

This was detected during a three-day free medical camp held in Baba Island. The camp was attended by a large number of patients from the Island and surrounding coastal areas.

Medical examination revealed that the majority of people were suffering from TB, skin, paediatric diseases and mental disorders which have been registered and documented for medical treatment.

The camp was organized by the Manora Health Project of Hamdard University in collaboration with District Health Centre.

It is part of the project’s programme to provide free medical treatment to the needy.

Under the programme, patients are identified by active community participation through community-based organizations in the region, which has proved to be effective.

Cases of TB and other chest diseases have also been detected in the coastal areas of Hawkesbay in Gabapat Union Council of Keamari Town.

For years, the residents of villages, engaged in fishing business and living under unhygienic conditions, have been complaining about lack of civic facilities, including healthcare facilities.

Mohammed Haroon of Mubarak Village complained that due to poverty most of the villagers could not afford treatment in the city hospitals.

Furthermore, since people were unaware of the consequences of dreaded diseases, they died prematurely.

He urged the government to provide free health care through mobile medical teams in the coastal areas.