As part of the work of Citizen Councils in Kantalai it has been identified that the issue of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin(CKDU) is taking a sizeable toll on the citizens of Jayathipura, Kantalai. More than 50 persons have died in that area alone in the last two years from CKDU.
The Jayanthipura Citizen Council working with a partner organisation of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, the National Collaboration Development Foundation, Kantalai recently organised a One Day Health Clinic to meet families of the affected and citizens of the area to discuss the issue, and the strategy for tackling this, with the kind participation of a number of medical experts.
Held on 11th September 2015 at Jayanthipura Community Health Centre, Jayanthipura, the clinic provided services for testing of blood and urine, blood pressure and also hosted an eye-camp for donation of reading glasses to needy citizens. A number of doctors, MOH and hospital staff, media personnel and citizen council members participated, including representatives from military authorities who supported the free services clinic.
Key volunteer participants included MOH personnel, Dr Costa and Dr Shermila and Dr Bandara Seniviratne from Aranaganwilla, Mr. Terrence Gamini, Head of the Anuradhapura Protection Foundation, optician Dr Charith, and Kidney Disease expert Dr Rajiv Dissanayake (Anuradhapura KPF). Ven Prof Pallegama Sirinivasa Himi, Chief Incumbent of the Jayanthipura Viharaya and Brigadier Kamal Pinnawala of the 222 Jayanthigama Brigade extended their blessing and support to the camp and Chairperson Ajith, and Jayatissa of the Jayanthipura Citizen Council, are among the many who contributed to the success of the clinic. The Lions Club of 306 donated 100 sets of eyeglasses and an OPD clinic was held for almost 200 citizens of the area.
The Jayanthipura Citizen Council kindly offered midday snacks for all participants and CPA helped to facilitate the event.
.
