Ref: AK/PR/2013/74
A curtsey visit to the Ministry of Health (Ministre de la Sante Publique) in Antananarivo.
The visit to Madagascar started of with a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Madagascar on Thursday, 8th November 2012. This was organized by Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali, Chairman of the Medical Board of Conseil Regional. The delegation comprised of Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Hon. Secretary of Africa Federation, Alhaj Shabbir Kermalli, Chairman of the Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation, accompanied by, Dr. S. Rajan, Thoracic Surgeon and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas, Senior Interventional Cardiologist from the Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases – Madras Medical Mission of Chennai, India and Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali, Chairman of the Medical Board of Conseil Regional of Madagascar. The visit to Madagascar coincided with the 31st Session of Conseil Regional Meeting and the World Federation 4th Executive Council Meeting held in Antananarivo, Madagascar from 8th to 11th November, 2012.
The delegation met with the Deputy Minister, Professor John Ban Razafindrabe at his office. The Deputy Minister was briefed on the activities of the Health Board, the purpose of a visit by the two Senior Consultants from Chennai, India and about the Cardiac Camp which has been organized jointly in Antananarivo by the Central Health Board of Africa Federation and the Health Board of Conseil Regional of Madagascar and the KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo.
Hon. Razafindrabe was pleased to hear about the efforts of the Institutions and thanked the visiting Consultants for travelling all the way to Madagascar to conduct the three days camp.
During the discussions, the two Consultants offered to train the local doctors, especially those who are in the field of cardiology from the Madagascar Government Hospital at MMM in Chennai, India.
THREE DAYS CARDIAC CAMP HELD IN ANTANANARIVO
Organized by the Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation in collaboration with the Conseil Regional of Madagascar and the KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo. The three days Cardiac Camp, first of its kind to be held in Antananarivo attracted 125 participants in total, 76 gents and 49 ladies of our community.
The Camp was conducted at the Imambarghah, whereby separate arrangements were made for the gents and ladies. The overall administration was entrusted to the volunteers of KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo and was guided by the CHB officials.
In a meeting with the Chairman of the Medical Board of the Conseil Regional, Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali and CROI officials, it was agreed that CHB would be making another visit to Madagascar, this time covering other Jamaats, according to Riyaz bhai there is a big need for health screening in other Jamaats whereby medical facilities are scarce.
The three days Cardiac Camp was conducted by Dr. S. Rajan, Thoracic Surgeon and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas, Interventional Cardiologist, both are renowned doctors from the Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases (Madras Medical Mission) of Chennai,
The doctors at the request of CHB brought in a new portable Echo machine from Chennai and the CHB brought in a new portable latest model ECG machine which helped tremendously to carry out instant diagnosis of the participants. Following tests were carried out during the Camp:
- General Consultation
- BMI, Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar (Random) Test.
- ECG
- Echo
CHB made special “Check-up” forms which were in duplicate, the original has been kept by CHB and duplicate with the participant, the forms were used for recording the results and the doctor’s observations, medications prescriptions etc.
It was found out that diabetes, hypertension, smoking and cardiac diseases prevalence are high in our community in Madagascar, and it is a common phenomenon in our community in other Jamaats in Africa as well. During the screening, 7 new hypertension cases were diagnosed and 15 participants were advised to undergo further investigations for cardiac evaluation.
The Central Health Board (CHB) of Africa Federation donated a brand new ECG Machine, BP Machine, Stethoscope and other consumable items for the ECG to the Conseil Regional for use in the Jamaats in Madagascar.
We would like to make special mention of the following doctors and volunteers who were very helpful in organizing and assisting in the Cardiac Camp, a big Thank You to them; they are:
Consultants/Doctors:
Dr. S. Rajan (from Chennai, India)
Dr. K. Latchumanadhas (from Chennai, India)
Dr. Henri (from Antananarivo, Madagascar)
Dr. Gilbert (from Antananarivo, Madagascar)
Medical Students:
Sr. Shamira Mohamed (7th year student in medicine from Antananarivo)
Br. Mohamed Ramzan Sachedina (5th year student in medicine from Dar es Salaam)
Volunteers:
Sr. Sabira Alihussein
Sr. Fatema Visram
Sr. Farzana Mustafa
Sr. Sureya Goulamally
Sr. Kaniz-e-Fatema Akberali
Br. Mohamedraza Nourah
Br. Fareez Molou
Sr. Shahana Nassor
We are very thankful to the Conseil Régional of Madagascar, the Antananarivo Jamaat and the Medical Board of the Conseil Régional of Madagascar for their invitation and for all the support they provided for the Cardiac Camp. We had a wonderful and pleasant stay in Antananarivo and wish to thank especially Alhaj Riyaz Shujatali and Alhaj Rossanaly Mohammed Raza for their support and wonderful hospitality.
Registration/Completing Questionnaire Form:
Checking/Recording of Vitals:
Screening – ECG & Echo Tests
Review/Consultations with the Doctors:
Medical Lecture on Preventive Healthcare by the visiting Specialists:
CHB/AFED speaks on the importance of Preventive Healthcare & Healthy Lifestyles
Conseil Regional presents Token of Appreciation to the visiting Doctors, CHB & AFED:
Note d’appréciation:
On behalf of Africa Federation and the Central Health Board (CHB), I would like to express our deep appreciation and thanks to the following Institutions for their cooperation and support:
- Dr. S. Rajan and Dr. K. Latchumanadhas from Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India.
- Dr. Henri and Dr. Gilbert from Antananarivo, Madagascar
- The Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa.
- Conseil Régional Des Khojas Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamates De L’océan Indien
- The KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo.
- Volunteers from GMUR – Groupé Médical d’Urgence and KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo.
- Medical Students, Shamira Mohamed (Antananarivo) and Mohammed Sachedina (DSM).
In conclusion, I have the following message to our brothers and sisters in Madagascar.
You have a wonderful Jamaat and a team of dedicated volunteers who are enthusiastic to help the community in the field of health, I recommend that the Health Screening Program should be a regular feature in all Jamaats in Madagascar, also to encourage the community to participate in the physical fitness exercises like brisk walking, swimming, sports to include ladies, youths and children.
Merci beaucoup
Shabbir Kermalli
CHAIRMAN – CHB