On the morning of June 21st, 2025, the village of Kolliyankunam came alive with a different kind of energy. The usual slow pace of rural life made space for something special — an event filled with purpose, service, and compassion. Near the panchayat office, tents were being set up, medical tables arranged, and volunteers bustling around to welcome the residents. A general health camp, free and open to all, was about to begin.
This much-needed initiative was made possible by the combined efforts of Prime Educational and Social Trust, Equitas Small Finance Bank, I Med Hospital, and the local support of St. Paul Church. Their mission was clear: to provide accessible healthcare and raise awareness about preventive practices among the community members, many of whom had limited access to regular medical care.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, residents from across Kolliyankunam started arriving.There were older women walking slowly with the help of canes, mothers carrying their young children, and middle-aged men eager to check their blood pressure or sugar levels. The diversity of the crowd showed that the camp had drawn in people of all ages and backgrounds.
Health professionals and support teams welcomed each person warmly, helping them register, guiding them through various check-up points, and patiently answering their questions. The services offered included general health screening, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, consultations with physicians, and distribution of basic medicines and ointments. What stood out most was the sense of order, care, and dignity with which every individual was treated.
Rather than simply focusing on identifying illness, the camp emphasized the importance of early detection and preventive care. Posters and charts were displayed to educate the residents on maintaining good health through simple, practical lifestyle habits. From eating a balanced diet to incorporating daily physical activity, the advice was tailored to be relatable and realistic for rural life.
Many of the elderly participants shared that they rarely attended check-ups unless something felt seriously wrong. For them, this camp was a reminder that caring for one’s health doesn’t always have to wait until a problem arises. The convenience of having doctors and nurses come to their locality encouraged many to step forward and speak openly about issues they had silently endured for years.
Mothers enquired about their children’s nutritional needs and common seasonal illnesses, while younger adults learned about stress, blood pressure, and the long-term effects of an inactive lifestyle. For those who were found to need further attention, especially those with elevated sugar levels or other ailments , proper referrals and follow-up instructions were provided. The health team made sure that the care did not end with just a consultation.
Medicines were distributed on the spot for common ailments — paracetamol, ointments for muscle pain, iron supplements, and basic antibiotics. The participants were grateful not only for the free services but also for the respect and personal attention they received.
Volunteers, many of them young, moved around with registration sheets, and cheerful smiles, ensuring the entire process went smoothly. The involvement of the local community through St. Paul Church added a personal touch. Familiar faces among the organizers helped build trust and comfort for the villagers, especially the elderly who often hesitate to speak to medical professionals.
By the time the afternoon sun began casting longer shadows, the last few residents finished their check-ups. Organizers shared a quick meal together, reflecting on the day’s success. There was satisfaction in knowing that they had not only conducted a health camp but had opened a door for many people to start paying attention to their well-being.
The true success of the day lay not just in the number of patients seen, but in the awareness created, the myths broken, and the conversations that began around health and self-care. Small steps, like this single-day camp, often leave lasting ripples in the lives of individuals and in the spirit of a community.
The health camp at Kolliyankunam was more than just an event. It was a reminder that when organizations, healthcare providers, and local institutions come together, even a single morning can plant the seeds for long-term change. And in that moment — near the humble panchayat office under the village sky — healthcare wasn’t just offered; it was shared with empathy, knowledge, and a sense of belonging.
