Indian High Commission brings health camp to Beecher Town, St Ann
Published:Monday | August 4, 2025 | 12:08 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
The Indian High Commission (IHC) in Jamaica has continued its journey of offering free healthcare to communities across Jamaica by teaming up with the Beecher Town Give Back Association (BTGBA), to the benefit of residents in that St Ann community.
A recent health fair formed part of the BTGBA’s four days of activities to mark its return to the island. Other activities included a walkathon, sports day, and work on community projects.
Indian High Commissioner Shri Mayank Joshi paid a visit as his team, led by Dr Rahul Chandolu of Global Healthcare in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, treated approximately 200 residents, including children and adults.
“It’s a privilege to work with the Indian High Commission, along with the Beecher Town community health fair,” Chandolu told The Gleaner.
“We did a lot of medicals [for students], a lot of people with hypertension and diabetes, and arthritis patients, and anaemic patients.”
Chandolu said that, with the assistance of pharmaceutical companies, especially Bioprist, Ipka, and Emerson, the team was able to provide, freely, all the vitamins, iron tablets, and other medications for the residents.
Tests offered included ECG, blood sugar, urine, and also dental and eye exams. Several persons left with a free pair of reading glasses. Prescriptions were issued, where necessary,for persons to get additional care.
“All went well. We are privileged to come this side to support the community,” the doctor said.
The IHC noted that this was the 45th free medical camp, which was part of the commission’s effort to “’ouch the Untouched, Reach the Unreached and Serve the Unserved’.
The IHC said, “A team of dedicated Indian community doctors and Indian pharmaceutical companies in Jamaica extended their unwavering support, making this medical camp a resounding success!”
Meanwhile, BTGBA President Fay Grocia expressed delight at the IHC’s support of the event that started back in 2011, and noted an increase in persons served this year, compared to the last trip.
“This year was a little better than last year in that we concluded our four days of events with the medical health fair, with the doctors from the Indian High Commission,” Grocia said.
“Not only were they here, they were able to give us medications. They brought ophthalmologists, they brought dental service and the residents were very, very happy with all that was done today. We had a very good turnout.”