𝟗𝟗 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

A total of 99 members of the Gunjur community have benefited from a free health screening and sensitisation outreach held at the Gunjur Main Market on Saturday, marking the third consecutive year of collaboration between the Gunjur Project, the Global Columbia Team, and the Gunjur Conservationists & Ecotourism Association (GCEA).

Health workers and volunteers conduct free diabetes and hypertension screening at the Gunjur Main Market. | Photos: Courtesy of the organisers

The monthly outreach focused on the early detection and prevention of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, with participants receiving free blood sugar and blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, and health education on healthy lifestyles.

According to the organisers, while 99 people were officially screened and recorded, several students from the Gunjur Project Study Class also participated in the screening and awareness sessions. Although not included in the official figures, their involvement reflects the initiative’s commitment to promoting healthy habits among young people.

Most of those screened were elderly residents, who are generally at greater risk of developing non-communicable diseases, while a number of younger community members also took advantage of the free health services.

The organisers said the outreach provides an important opportunity for early detection of diabetes and hypertension, enabling individuals to seek timely treatment before complications arise. They noted that regular screening and public health education help reduce the burden of chronic diseases, improve quality of life, and lessen healthcare costs for families and the wider community.

Members of the Global Columbia Team and local volunteers participate in a health education session during the outreach | Photos: Courtesy of the organisers

Residents already diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension received medication refills as part of their ongoing treatment, while individuals found to have critically abnormal results for the first time were referred to nearby healthcare facilities for further assessment and medical management.

The organisers commended the dedication of the volunteers whose commitment continues to make the monthly programme possible. They also expressed gratitude to their donors and partners for their continued support in advancing community healthcare in Gunjur.

Community members receive free health checks and consultations as part of the monthly outreach programme | Photos: Courtesy of the organisers

Now in its third year, the initiative has become an important community health programme, helping residents access free preventive healthcare while raising awareness about the growing threat of non-communicable diseases.