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In keeping with Doha Healthcare Week and as part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) ongoing ‘Qatar…It’s in Our Blood’ campaign, Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) organised a blood donation camp at Beit Al Diyafa within the Hamad Medical City premises recently. More than 65 units of blood were donated to HMC blood bank from over 100 participants. Cajetan Neri Alphonso and Dr Ashwin D’Silva, the guests of honour, addressed the gathering during a short formal programme. MCA president Aloysius D’Souza, vice-president Sandeep Noronha, general secretary Gladson D’Almeida, advisor Wilfred Fernandes, honourary members Harry Lobo, Arthur Pais and Veena Pais along with officer-bearers of various Karnataka-based associations in Qatar too were present on the occasion.

In commemoration of September’s World Alzheimer's Month 2022, Alzheimer’s Indonesia Chapter Doha - Qatar (Alzi Doha) held an event titled 'The Journey of Caring' at the Indonesian embassy on October 7. The activity was led by Alzi Doha chairperson Dr Ken Lestariyani Sulis, in collaboration with the embassy. In his speech, Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan, quoted a study from Alzheimer’s Disease International which revealed that every three seconds one person in the world develops dementia. "In Indonesia, it is estimated that there were around 1.2mn people with dementia in 2016, which will increase to 2mn in 2030 and 4mn in 2050," he explained. The talk show featured Dr Mani Chandran, a senior consultant geriatric psychiatrist from Hamad Medical Corporation, representing Dr Hanadi al-Hamad (medical director of Rumaillah Hospital and the Qatar Institute of Rehabilitation as well as the WHO Focal Point of Global Dementia Observatory and Healthy Ageing). Dr Chandran explained that there are at least 10 ways to reduce the risk of dementia. Some of these include being physically active, making healthy habit food choices, reducing stress, and continuously challenging the brain by learning something new. The event was also attended by D Y Suharya, the founder of Alzheimer's Indonesia and regional director Asia Pacific Alzheimer’s Disease International who has recently been acknowledged as UN Decade Healthy Ageing 50 Leaders. Sharing her experience in caring for family members with dementia, Suharya said it is very important to spread the message, "do not underestimate memory loss" to increase public awareness about Alzheimer's disease. She also encouraged everyone to join Alzi Doha’s upcoming activities ranging from early diagnosis, support group and educational sessions in future collaborations with other partners in Doha. Alzi Doha chairperson Dr Sulis lauded the participation of young volunteers from the Indonesian Student Association in Qatar and remarked that youth engagement and inter-generational collaboration has always been promoted by Alzheimer’s Indonesia since 2016. The event also featured a Brain Gym session as a form of brain stimulation to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's .

  A free medical camp, organised by the CIC Wakra Zone in collaboration with Allevia Medical Centre at Allevia Clinic in Meshaf, benefited more than 500 low-income workers. A team of 12 doctors and paramedical staff and about 60 CIC volunteers served in the camp. Necessary medicines were also distributed free of cost. In her inaugural address, Wakra Health Centre director Dr Amina Ibrahim Fakhru said such camps play a great role in helping different communities to co-operate with each other and to set a noble example of mutual love. "Vedic teachings inspire us to do the same," she added. In his presidential address, CIC acting president K C Abdullatif said 20 free medical camps have been organised by the forum in Qatar so far. Dr Abdul Wahid al-Mulla, chairman of the Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Department of Hamad Heart Hospital and a leading heart surgeon, said that through such camps, the conditions leading to heart-related diseases can be diagnosed in advance and necessary precautions taken. Sheikh Khalid bin Fahd al-Thani, office manager of Wakra Municipality managing director, lauded the initiative. Indian Cultural Centre president P N Baburajan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Vinod Nair and Al Wakra Hospital's senior medical manager Dr Mohamed Ayaz Khan offered felicitations. Dr Anwar Salih Kolikkad, who was selected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London, was presented a special award. Allevia Medical Centre psychiatrist Dr Tisha Rachel Jacob conducted an awareness class on ‘Mental health in families and kids’. CIC Wakra Zone president Mustafa Kavilkuth delivered the welcome address and vice-president Zakir Nadvi proposed the vote of thanks. CIC officials Yasir Illathodi, Mohamed Rafiq, Mohamed Ali, Abdul Basith, Ummer Sadiq, Rasheed Ahmed, Musheer Abdullah and K V Noorudhin were among those who led the camp.

  DPS-Modern Indian School organised a session on ‘Basic First Aid and CPR Procedures’ for its drivers, conductors, and support staff members to equip them with essential skills needed to handle any emergency situation and to strengthen the safety of the students. Dr Aliya Fathima Hyderi Syeda, Asian Medical Centre, Al Wakra covered several aspects of first aid including preparedness for crisis management, techniques to recognise, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergencies, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), ways to deal with minor injuries, and to develop an ability to intervene correctly in emergency situations to save lives. The session was attended by 232 members of Transportation and Security Department.

Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Switzerland’s Roche have announced a partnership to redefine the diagnosis and treatment of cancer care in the Middle East and North Africa. The partnership seeks to remove barriers to biomarker testing and expand access to precision medicines to improve patient outcomes in a region where cancer is expected to double by 2030.  Cancer occurs due to genetic mutations that affect the way cells work and grow. Each person’s cancer is unique because mutations differ in type and number and between cancer types. Even people with the same type of cancer may require different treatment.  Biomarker testing is a type of molecular or genetic testing that tracks changes in genes, proteins and other substances that provide critical information about tumors. This helps to track the evolution of tumors in cancer patients, enabling more targeted therapies and better chances of survival.  Cancer patients can be tested at the time of diagnosis, recurrence, or progression. It allows healthcare practitioners to develop personalized treatment plans for patients; including targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are most appropriate for their specific cancer. Through this personalised approach, healthcare practitioners can get the right medicine to patients at the right time, treating them more effectively and minimizing side effects.  “We have the opportunity to reverse the upward trajectory of cancer rates in the Middle East and North Africa by the harnessing breakthrough technologies of precision medicine such as biomarker testing. Through this partnership with Roche, we hope to support biomarker testing across different tumor types and cancer stages, starting with lung cancer. Our ambition is for patients to have access to timely, accurate information about the genetic mutations causing their specific cancer,” said Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, AstraZeneca.  “The increasing incidence of cancer in the Middle East gives new meaning to the importance of collaboration. We are proud to partner with AstraZeneca to continue redefining and strengthening the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the region by leveraging the power of breakthrough technologies, like biomarker testing and personalized treatment plans, and ensuring all patients have access to the care they need and deserve. Together, we can help countless men, women, and children lead strong and healthy lives, not defined by cancer but by the endless possibilities they have ahead,” said Olfat Berro, Area Head Middle East, Roche Pharmaceuticals. The partnership focuses on the education and upskilling of health practitioners as well as raising public awareness. The first regional activity will be held on 7 September 2022 focused on lung cancer. The workshop will bring together pathologists, interventional radiologists, interventional pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. It aims to enhance laboratory tissue handling, improve molecular profiling, and support healthcare practitioners in identifying more patients who can benefit from targeted treatments.

Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Doha, hosted its first medical health camp in collaboration with Wellkins Medical Centre, Qatar. Considering the busy lifestyles of people, stressful work environments and a general tendency to ignore one’s health, MCA initiated the idea of hosting the medical camp, which was open to all. The free health check-up involved body mass index (BMI) calculation, blood pressure check, blood sugar test, HbA1c, lipid profile test, thyroid test as well as general medicine, dental, gynaecology consultation. The medical camp commenced at 7am on August 26 and continued until noon with 213 participants. A brief official programme was conducted at the health centre by Jovita Pereira. MCA president Aloysius DSouza welcomed all the participants. A memento and a plant were presented to Dr Sameer Moopan, chairman and managing director of Wellkins, as a token of gratitude by advisory member Wilfred Fernandes. Dr Moopen said he has a special affinity towards Mangalore as his medical journey began, 33 years ago, at Kasturba Medical College. Nikhil Joseph, chief operating officer of Wellkins, briefed the gathering on the various healthcare services offered at Wellkins. Joseph had been the point of contact from the planning stages of the medical camp. Dr Jacob Neil, specialist, internal medicine, and medical director at Wellkins, gave an informative talk on diabetes awareness. It served as a wake-up call for all to change their mindsets and lifestyle towards eating and preparing meals. In attendance were Subramanya Hebbagelu, vice-president of the Indian Cultural Centre; and Vinod Nair, president of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum, who also briefly addressed the gathering. Also present were the presidents and past presidents of various Karnataka associations. Sandeep Noronha, vice-president of MCA, proposed the vote of thanks. In a statement, MCA said it was grateful to Dr Moopan, Joseph, the Wellkins staff, doctors and nurses for facilitating the camp. "We also appreciate the volunteers and nurses for their time and contribution for the camp. The organisers received positive comments on the excellent execution of the camp," it added.    

In commemoration of the 75th Indian Independence Day, expatriate forum ManithaNeya Kalachara Peravai (MKP Qatar) organised a free medical camp in association with the Indian Cultural Centre and Naseem Medical Centre C Ring Road branch. Over 200 people participated in the event that covered mental health awareness, general medicine, dental, vision test and blood pressure and blood sugar screening. Office-bearers of prominent Indian community organisations were present. The event was organised by MKP Qatar members Hussain, Yasin, Uwaiz, Nizar, Razak, Basha, Farmanullah, Ubais, Harfeen, Hakeem along with Naseem Medical Centre's Shameer and his team.    

A free medical camp was organised by the Reyada Medical Centre in association with Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) recently as part of the celebrations for the 75th Year of India’s Independence. The camp was inaugurated by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal. More than 100 expatriates benefited from the medical services which included a wide range of blood tests to detect lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, kidney and liver function. The participants also underwent an ECG, a vision test and consulted with specialist doctors after they received their blood reports. An AMU-Reyada Med Card was also unveiled on the occasion. AMUAAQ officials Jawed Ahmad, Dr Nadeem Jilani, Dr Sikandar Iftab, Jamsheer Hamza and Reyada Healthcare managing director Jamsheer Hamza were among those present.    

Charity and volunteering advocate Mega Cervantes and his friends came together for a 'Mega Wish' - an initiative to distribute water to people on the streets. Cervantes and his friends launched the initiative on June 24 by distributing a total of 1,050 bottles of water at a number of places, such as Al Mansoura, Al Sadd, Bin Omran, Bin Mahmoud, Madinat Khalifa and the Souq area from 9am-11am. The main objective is to hand out water to people the volunteers encounter on streets, such as construction workers, security guards, cleaners, food delivery riders, public vehicle drivers and bystanders waiting for public transportation. The summer campaign received assistance from Family Food Centre and McDonald's, the organisers said in a statement. 'Mega Wish' can be followed on YouTube @DtProduqtionOfficial and @SimplyMegabyheart, as well as on Instagram, @Mega_byheart

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Women’s Forum presented a workshop themed 'Happy Feet, Happy Heart', an innovative experiment towards healthy living, at ICC Ashoka Hall recently. "Dancing and guided meditation have proven to have physical and mental benefits and are a great medium to de-stress and unwind. Hence, the objective of the workshop was to create a positive balance through mass dancing and guided meditation," a press statement noted. Three dance forms, each lasting 10 minutes, were presented to the participants - Bollywood style by team Emote Edition, zumba by Zumba Zashn and team, and folklore dance by Bhavna Sharma and her students. Some intensive dancing by the participating women was followed by a guided meditation session to calm their minds and help them control their thoughts. It was conducted by trainer Padmini Sundar. The event turned out to be refreshing and relaxing for the all women who were eager to participate and asked for more such events, the statement added. The event was inaugurated by chief guest Rajni Murthy, ICBF MC member, and Krishna Kumar, ICC general secretary, along with other committee members - Mohan Kumar, Kamala Thakur and Shwetha Koshti. The show was conceptualised and hosted by Sumaa Mahesh Gowda. Members of the community appreciated this initiative of the ICC Women’s Forum.

The Filipino Planning Engineers Association (FPEA), through the Committee on Social and Sports Development (CoSSD), organised a kick-off session recently with free yoga classes for distressed workers temporarily staying at the Philippine embassy shelter. The yoga session, which was led by certified yoga instructor Victoria Angelica, was attended by 20 women from the shelter, as well as FPEA president Susana O Nacario, second vice-president Aurora M Asda, CoSSD chairwoman Vanessa P Gallego, and its members. The programme was approved and appreciated by the Philippine embassy, particularly Labour Attache Adam Musa. He was delighted with FPEA’s initiative to promote physical and mental wellbeing through the techniques of meditation, movement, and breathing that is said to have a long-lasting health benefit. With the series of sporting events by FPEA, it is the advocacy of the organisation to inspire its members to be physically active and to maintain good mental health which promotes greater productivity at work. The first session was well received by the ladies and provided great feedback on the benefits of yoga to their body and to look forward to the second session.

  * QF partner guides students for FIRST Tech Challenge world championships   A science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) expert from Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation partner university, mentored middle and high school students for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) world championships held recently in Houston, Texas, US. These students were winners of the 2022 FTC Freight Frenzy Qatar Championship, hosted by Tamuq and Qatar National Library, under the support of the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. FTC is a robotics program for students in grades 7 through 12 in which teams design, build, code and operate advanced robots to play a themed floor game. This is the first time that Qatar was represented at the international level of this competition, which included participants from more than 40 countries. In 2020, Tamuq signed an agreement with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to host an annual contest in Qatar, and Tamuq’s STEM and robotics expert Dr Mohamed Gharib was named FIRST Program Delivery Partner in Qatar. Training sessions for both teachers and students were developed and delivered before the competition by Gharib at Tamuq in its STEM Hub, a joint initiative teaching space sponsored by QNRF. The teacher training was designed to prepare new FTC mentors in Qatar to help students develop science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills and practice engineering principles while realising the value of hard work, innovation and working as a team. Gharib said: “Being selected by FIRST as a Program Delivery Partner reflects the rapid progress and impact of Tamuq STEM and outreach team in the field of STEM education in Qatar. After the great success in developing the advanced robotics programs in Qatar, establishing the STEM Hub Robotics Club and leading Qatar teams in FIRST Global Challenge for the past few years, establishing the FIRST Tech Challenge in Qatar was essential in our team’s plan to spread the science of robotics in Qatar schools.” The 2022 theme for both the national and international competition was “Freight Frenzy,” in which teams explored the future of transportation. From the shipment of packages in rural and urban areas, to disaster relief delivery and high-tech air transit, teams reimagined faster, more reliable, inclusive and sustainable transportation innovations that better connect and grow communities and economies around the world. Gharib said: "I am also incredibly proud of our students who did exceptionally well at the world championships. We had the opportunity to meet many talented students, volunteers, and mentors and see some really interesting projects. I am positive that the experience provided a great learning and knowledge sharing platform for everyone.” Mohamed Bakri, a student at Tariq Bin Ziyad Secondary School and captain of Team Qatar, said: “It has been an inspirational journey: from participating and winning here, to representing Qatar at the world championships. Apart from the technical knowledge in engineering and robotics, we gained from our mentors at Texas A&M at Qatar, we also learned about the value of teamwork, time management and innovation, while also having a lot of fun.” Majida Timimi, director of STEAM and Practical Applications Programs at the Michael E DeBakey School at Qatar, said: “The FTC experience has provided DeBakey students with invaluable experience and understanding of robotics, engineering, teamwork, technology and innovation. This challenge would not have been possible without the leadership of Dr Gharib and his team at the STEM Hub of Texas A&M whose commitment to student learning is inspiring!” The organisers and students also expressed their gratitude to QNRF for their support, in hosting the national competition and for organising their participation in the event in Houston.

  On occasion of 8th International Yoga Day, Barwa City Monday Activity Group (BCMAG) presented Musical Yoga in Indian Cultural Centre. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal's wife Dr Alpana was the chief guest. BCMAG, a voluntary organisation for health and wellbeing through yoga and breath control, was founded by Shalini Tiwari in 2014. The event saw experienced yoga practitioners Anvi Amit Joshi, Saachi Kaustubh Raut, Sushma Dalal, Rachana Amit Joshi, Vibhali Kaustubh Raut, Jonali Patowary, Parvinder Bhurji, Shivani Singhal, Prashiya Pushpan, Suman Agarwal, Shalini Tiwari and Pragathi Pachipala perform Musical Yoga.

International Yoga Day was celebrated at Podar Pearl School with great enthusiasm and zeal. An inter-house competition featured students of Tagore, Einstein, Aryabhata and Kalam houses presenting various yoga asanas under the guidance of physical education teachers Sreesha and Afsal. Principal Manjari Recriwal addressed the students highlighting the importance of yoga and its contribution to mental and physical well being. Kalam House secured the first position followed by Einstein House in the second position.    

In connection with the 7th International Yoga Day celebrations, MES Indian School organised a demonstration featuring as many as 4,000 students from all sections. Habeeb Rahman (teacher, department of chemistry), Nazanin Nadaf and Rose Maria Jose (teachers, physical education department) demonstrated ‘yoga-asanas’ and exercises. Akbar Ali (head, physical education department), explained the perfect way of doing yoga and the benefits of each asana. Principal Hameeda Kadar inaugurated the Yoga Day celebrations.    

The autobiographical work 'Brandhan Cellukalude Kanakku Pushthakam' (an account of cancer days) by cancer survivor Suhas Parakkandy, an Indian expatriate from the southern state of Kerala, has been released in Qatar. Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (Norka) director C V Rappai handed over a copy of the book to Sanskriti Qatar president Ahmmed Kutty at a function at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). National Cancer Care Center and Research's (NCCCR) radiation oncologist Dr Sajukumar Divakar, ICC president P N Baburajan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Vinod Nair, Sanskriti general secretary Jaleel A Kavil, Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre president S A M Basheer, Qatar Indian Authors' Forum Secretary Hussain Kadannamanna, UNIQ president Mini Siby, HMC senior oncology nurse Suneethi Sunil, Dr Amanulla Vadakkangara and Radio Malayalam 98.6 marketing manager Noufal Abdhul Rahman were among those present. Dr Divakar and nurse Suneethi were felicitated with mementos and a golden shawl in honour of their services to cancer patients. The book was introduced by Biju P Mangalam. Dr Divakar shared his memories about the first meeting with Suhas as a patient, followed by the positive changes. Clinical nurse specialist Blessy delivered a heartwarming speech recollecting the tough times Suhas underwent while he had to use the ileostomy bag. She said Suhas was the only patient, she had seen in her service, to show a sustained self-assurance throughout the months he lived with an ileostomy bag. Suhas recalled the brilliance of the NCCCR team and the therapeutic and nursing brilliance at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) that lent him a helping hand to get through the tough times during his cancer days, though the disease had spread from the rectal part to the liver. He underwent four major surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and nine months with the ileostomy bag. The cancer survivor attributed his recovery to the extensive care by the doctors and nurses of HMC. Sanskriti secretary Saltus Samuel proposed a vote of thanks. The book, earlier released in Kerala by noted writer K R Meera, has a preface by TV personality G S Pradeep and prologues by litterateurs Prof C P Aboobacker and Ashokan Charivil.  

  MES Indian School, Abu Hamour Branch observed the World No Tobacco Day by organising a series of activities to educate and sensitise students on the health risks of tobacco. MESIS health club conducted a silent awareness rally during the recess break. Inaugurated by principal Dr Mohamed Haneef, the rally saw students of Grade VI and VII spreading awareness about tobacco with placards highlighting the ill-effects of consuming tobacco in any form and its impact on the human body. The co-ordinators were Anu Manoj, Reshmi Girish and Sameena. The health club in-charges were Afna and Salima. In addition, the MESIS health club created an awareness video which was screened in all classrooms of Grade I to XI.

Indian expatriate forum Bunts Qatar held its second blood donation camp recently. Out of 215 registered volunteers, 95 donated blood as per Hamad Medical Corporation's blood donation criteria. Indian embassy second secretary and Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) co-ordinator Dr Sona Soman was the chief guest. Bunts Qatar president Dr Padmashree Shetty welcomed the gathering. Indian Cultural Centre president P N Baburajan offered felicitations. Dr Rifat Salma, periodontist, Focus Medical Centre, spoke on the benefits of blood donation. ICBF president Vinod Nair spoke about the organisation's insurance plan. Naveen Shetty conducted the event. Bunts Qatar treasurer Manohar Shetty proposed a vote of thanks. Advisers Deepak Shetty, Navneeth Shetty, managing committee members, senior members and office-bearers of various Indian forums were also present.    

S K Vyas, a Qatar resident of 18 years, has been awarded a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies focused on anti-doping with 'A' grade by Commonwealth Open University (COU), UK, in the interdisciplinary subjects of Pharmacology, Sports Science and Public Administration. Dr Vyas is currently working as manager-pharmacy academics in Wellcare Pharmacies and as chair, Scientific Planning Committee, Allevia Medical Center, Qatar. He is also the Site Co-ordinator-Preceptor/Clinical Instructor for the Qatar University-College of Pharmacy for the SPEP rotations. A Level-3 Doping Control Officer with Qatar Anti-Doping Commission, Dr Vyas is a co-author for several international journal publications and co-researcher for several projects. The research topic was -“Impact Assessment of Education Intervention and Pharmacological knowledge enhancement on Knowledge, Attitude and Perception related to Anti-Doping among Community Pharmacists in Qatar”. The research was supervised by the COU graduate committee and international supervisors Dr Fatima al-Malki (PhD), former Executive Director of Qatar Anti-Doping Commission and Prof Mohamed Izham (PhD), Professor of Social & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University Health. The research concluded that the knowledge, attitude and perception of community pharmacists in Qatar, with regard to anti-doping, significantly improved following the pharmacological knowledge enhancement and education intervention, based on study upon a control group and an intervention group, proving that community pharmacists in Qatar would professionally perform better in terms of anti-doping and clean sports culture within the pharmacy practice prospect. Dr Vyas, is a pharmacist by profession, and had obtained the bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Bangalore University. He has a master's degree in public administration from University of Kerala, India and also a second master's degree in politics and international relations from the same university. He is an alumni of Public School, Pattanakad, India.  

United Nurses of India-Qatar (Uniq), described as the first recognised Indian nurses forum in the GCC countries, celebrated the International Nurses Day on a grand scale recently in Doha. The event was attended by hundreds of nurses and their families. The function was inaugurated by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal. Hamad Medical Corporation's acting chief nursing officer Maram al-Mutawa was the chief guest at the event attended by Indian community leaders and nursing leaders from various health care facilities in Qatar. Uniq working president Mini Benny welcomed the gathering. President Mini Siby delivered the presidential address. Working secretary Nizar Cheruvath and Indian Sports Centre president Dr Mohan Thomas offered felicitations. Vice president Luthfi Kalamban presented 'The Journey of Uniq.' Uniq Nursing Excellence Awards for 17 Covid warriors were awarded by the Indian ambassador. Cultural performances, painting competition, music show, fun activities for kids and family get-together for members were among the activities.