A helping hand can work wonders

Selfless doctor reaches out to labourers in need, but feels that the little she and her volunteers can do is still not enough.

When I studied social and preventative medicine as a student, I took an oath with the rest of the class to treat every patient equally and with the best care possible.

The oath left a deep impression on me and when the amnesty period for illegal workers came about in 2007, I decided to make a small but valuable difference to the community.

It started out small, with volunteers in the form of patients and relatives. Lots of people would drop in their donations in the form of rice bags, cooking oil and lentils. Others would volunteer to cook, while I would personally transport the food.

Over time, we have been able to supply food for 150 to 250 labourers in Sonapur and other areas on a daily basis. The workers themselves help in coordinating and organising the distribution of food.

But sometimes even the little we do is not enough. We are always in need of more bags of rice and lentils. Apart from food, our social efforts extend to arranging air tickets for labourers or helping to provide their children with education.

As a doctor, I also try to provide free medical treatment for those who cannot afford the fee.

With the help of volunteers, we also mediate between unskilled workers and various official bodies so that they are legal residents in the country.

Our work is continuous and we strive to make their lives a little more comfortable every day.

The reader is a gynaecologist and social worker based in Dubai.

Be a citizen reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Write to us at readers@gulfnews.com

It is commendable work.
Jacob George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 14, 2009, 10:43