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Despite heavy rain in the early hours of Sunday, March 27, 2011, over 400 people came to the 26th SAI Health Fair at the Impact Conference Center, Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia. The Health Fairs are spearheaded by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi and to promote their philosophies of nonviolence, selfless service to the community and social justice. The event was sponsored by the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPI) and supported by Global Mall and Sneham Charities. This is GAPI’s 4th health fair this year under the leadership of President Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. Others were done in different parts of the state to provide free services to uninsured and underinsured in Georgia.
Over 400 people of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultation and tests services provided by over 30 dedicated physicians, 9 nurses and EKG technicians and over 40 service-oriented volunteers including from Georgia State University, Emory Medical School and UGA’s College of Pharmacy. Offerings included blood tests, preventive cardiology tests, EKGs, glaucoma and vision screenings, bone density tests, and consults in 16 specialties—almost everything being offered for free.
Over 175 EKGs were carried out by Cardiovascular Group of Lawrenceville. Over 100 vision and glaucoma screening tests were done by Dr. Nikil Patel, Dr. Manan Shah and Dr. Vidhya Phoenix, while Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy from Auburn University performed over 26 audio screening tests. More than 35 bone density tests were performed by Madhusudhana Siddagunta and Vijaya Reddy, Leela Kaul, and Vasantha Bhandari. Over 215 blood tests were carried out at a nominal fee of $20 per test, lab work provided by American Clinical Labs in Stone Mountain. Results were mailed within 48 hours, and helped identify some life threatening conditions which were immediately notified to the participants.
A bone marrow drive had also been arranged to help 6-year-old Uma. Dr. Indira Menon from the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Decatur exhorted attendees to sign up with the Registry for this worthy cause.
Amee Khamar had set up a display for Emory’s SHAPE Diabetes Prevention Program, as diabetes is a major health issue in the South Asian community. UGA College of Pharmacy students gave information about medications and helped in the triage area.
Charter Anchor Hospital, Forest Park provided fruit trays, water bottles, cookies and fruit juice, while Swapna Restaurant provided lunch for all the doctors, nurses and volunteers. Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked owner of Global Mall, Shiv Aggarwal for providing the accommodation, and Mustafa Ajmeri and Ravi Ponangi for providing office space.
SAI Health Fairs create an awareness of the importance of preventive health care among the public. Inspired by Dr. Sujatha Reddy’s compassion and dedication, many throughout the community have joined in. Most on her team have been participating over and over again.
Dr. Gangasani commented, “I am happy GAPI is now getting involved with more health and education related charitable activities. GAPI has also opened a GAPI Volunteer Clinic at the Global Mall, to see uninsured on regular basis. In these tough economic times I want people to utilize these opportunities to maintain a healthy life.”
Over 400 treated at SAI Health Fair in Global Mall
By: Mahadev Desai
May 2011
Despite heavy rain in the early hours of Sunday, March 27, 2011, over 400 people came to the 26th SAI Health Fair at the Impact Conference Center, Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia. The Health Fairs are spearheaded by Dr. Sujatha Reddy as a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi and to promote their philosophies of nonviolence, selfless service to the community and social justice. The event was sponsored by the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPI) and supported by Global Mall and Sneham Charities. This is GAPI’s 4th health fair this year under the leadership of President Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. Others were done in different parts of the state to provide free services to uninsured and underinsured in Georgia.Over 400 people of diverse nationalities and cultures from all over Atlanta availed themselves of the free consultation and tests services provided by over 30 dedicated physicians, 9 nurses and EKG technicians and over 40 service-oriented volunteers including from Georgia State University, Emory Medical School and UGA’s College of Pharmacy. Offerings included blood tests, preventive cardiology tests, EKGs, glaucoma and vision screenings, bone density tests, and consults in 16 specialties—almost everything being offered for free.
Over 175 EKGs were carried out by Cardiovascular Group of Lawrenceville. Over 100 vision and glaucoma screening tests were done by Dr. Nikil Patel, Dr. Manan Shah and Dr. Vidhya Phoenix, while Dr. Sridhar Krishnamurthy from Auburn University performed over 26 audio screening tests. More than 35 bone density tests were performed by Madhusudhana Siddagunta and Vijaya Reddy, Leela Kaul, and Vasantha Bhandari. Over 215 blood tests were carried out at a nominal fee of $20 per test, lab work provided by American Clinical Labs in Stone Mountain. Results were mailed within 48 hours, and helped identify some life threatening conditions which were immediately notified to the participants.
A bone marrow drive had also been arranged to help 6-year-old Uma. Dr. Indira Menon from the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Decatur exhorted attendees to sign up with the Registry for this worthy cause.
Amee Khamar had set up a display for Emory’s SHAPE Diabetes Prevention Program, as diabetes is a major health issue in the South Asian community. UGA College of Pharmacy students gave information about medications and helped in the triage area.
Charter Anchor Hospital, Forest Park provided fruit trays, water bottles, cookies and fruit juice, while Swapna Restaurant provided lunch for all the doctors, nurses and volunteers. Dr. Sujatha Reddy thanked owner of Global Mall, Shiv Aggarwal for providing the accommodation, and Mustafa Ajmeri and Ravi Ponangi for providing office space.
SAI Health Fairs create an awareness of the importance of preventive health care among the public. Inspired by Dr. Sujatha Reddy’s compassion and dedication, many throughout the community have joined in. Most on her team have been participating over and over again.
Dr. Gangasani commented, “I am happy GAPI is now getting involved with more health and education related charitable activities. GAPI has also opened a GAPI Volunteer Clinic at the Global Mall, to see uninsured on regular basis. In these tough economic times I want people to utilize these opportunities to maintain a healthy life.”
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