Ocho Rios Indian Assn serving the community

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

Over the years, the Ocho Rios Indian Association, which controls the majority of in-bond business in the resort town, has contributed, mostly silently, to the town and its citizens in various ways, one of which is an annual health fair.

Recently, more than 450 residents from Ocho Rios and surrounding areas in St Ann benefited from its 12th annual health fair, which was held at the Ocho Rios Health Centre.

President of the association, Bobby Thakurani, labelled the one-day fair a success, citing the patron turnout and range of services offered.

Services offered included blood-pressure and blood-sugar tests, eye screening, Pap smear, mammogram, ophthalmology, blood donation, registration for the National Health Fund (NHF), among others.

"We did over 30 mammograms, thanks to the Cancer Society's mobile clinic. We also did around 60 Pap smears, 80 eye checks, and got 80 persons registered for the NHF," Thakurani told The Gleaner.

The Blood Bank, representatives of which were also present at the fair, was able to collect several units of blood, as more than 30 persons donated the commodity. Nearly 50 persons were counselled by a dietitian on proper dieting.

The Indian association also covered the cost of medication for persons who got prescriptions from medical personnel at the fair.

Thakurani said the association will, later this year, host two other events to assist the community.

"We hope to have the eye team one more time this year, and we will also be hosting an over-40 and under-40 cricket match and fun day to raise funds towards the Mustard Seed Communities," he added.