Health Check-up for School Children (HCPSC)

School classes of different schools in the slums of Kolkata are regularly examined (and treated, if necessary) by doctors’ teams, similar to a school health service. Besides curative treatment, preventive work is another important part of the HSPSC program. The main focus is on education concerning hygiene, nutrition and HIV. A strong cooperation with teachers and parents should enhance the program’s sustainability.

The HSPSC program can be compared to the Swiss school health service. Doctors from our Indian partner association SB Devi Charity Home visit schools in North Kolkata and in the surrounding area on a regular basis and perform a health check up for every child to discover possible sicknesses or deficiencies. Along with primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, also schools for mentally disabled children benefit from this program. If the children cannot be treated on site, they are referred to our outpatient clinic or to partner hospitals.

In addition to the regular examination of school children, there are informative and educational meetings on hygiene, nutrition and HIV. In order to enhance the cooperation between the doctors’ team, teachers and parents, consultations for parents and teachers are offered as well. Thus, the HSPSC program not only supports diagnostic investigation but also centers on prevention that will be groundbreaking in the future as well.

The data of the children who are examined yearly in the HSPSC framework and of their treatments are being used for statistical reporting. These data are helpful for a better understanding of the situation and are indispensable for our activities in the fields of health analysis and medical care for the children.

Recognition and support for the HSPSC team is also provided by the Indian government, particularly concerning organizational matters.