A free eye camp was conducted in Kolkata, to benefit marginalised communities, by Allcargo and its partner Bengal Service Society.
Eyes are our gateway to the world. Being an extremely crucial sense organ, any damage to the eyes can not only reduce the quality of one’s life but also significantly impact one’s capacity to earn a livelihood. Thankfully, today, there are various antidotes to eye ailments; however, not everyone has equitable access to healthcare. Understanding the economic pressures of marginalised communities that limit their access to qualified medical professionals, Allcargo Logistics in conjunction with Bengal Service Society conducted a free-of-cost eye camp in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The camp was held at Chetla Lock Gate which is close to the port. The inhabitants of the area – vegetable vendors, van pullers, domestic help, daily wage labourers, drivers, rag pickers and others – have very little access to medical facilities in the vicinity.
Of the 385 people who attended the camp, 22 were diagnosed with cataract issues and eye surgeries were scheduled for them. The bulk of the attendees were diagnosed to be in want of spectacles, which were provided to them at zero cost. Another 18 patients were treated with medicines for minor eye defects and all 385 availed the eye testing services.
The occasion was graced by Honourable Mayor of Kolkata and the Honourable Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Janab Firhad Hakim, who was the Chief Guest. He highly appreciated this endeavour by Bengal Service Society and Allcargo Logistics.
We, at Allcargo, consider it a privilege that we could help our fellow citizens see the world better. We are also grateful to Bengal Service Society for conducting such a well organised camp and for being a bridge between us and the community.