Medical Camp for Forest staff in Nagarahole: A Successful Collaboration for Healthcare and Conservation

On November 30th, 2024, Beru Trust, in partnership with BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Kengeri, hosted a one-day medical camp for forest personnel in the Nagarhole and Kallhalla Range, with the robust support of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. This event aimed to improve the health and well-being of forest staff, who often lack access to regular healthcare services due to the remote nature of their duties. The primary objective of this event was to address a pressing need: the health and well-being of forest personnel, a community that serves on the front lines of conservation, often under challenging and resource-scarce conditions. Forest staff spend long hours patrolling vast, rugged landscapes, protecting wildlife, and preventing illegal activities, all while operating in remote areas that limit their access to essential healthcare services.

Recognizing the physical and mental toll this work can take, Beru Trust designed the medical camp to offer not only comprehensive health check-ups but also an opportunity for forest personnel to engage with medical professionals about preventive care. This initiative underscores Beru Trust’s commitment to empowering the people who dedicate their lives to protecting nature, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.The camp is an example of the intersection of healthcare and conservation, addressing a gap that is often overlooked but is critical to maintaining the balance between human well-being and environmental stewardship.

A Day Dedicated to the Forest Protectors

“The event was a collaborative effort that united medical professionals, over 70 forest officers, conservationists, and dedicated volunteers, all with a shared goal: to address the pressing health challenges faced by forest personnel. These individuals, who tirelessly protect our natural resources, often endure physical strain, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and the risk of injuries or illnesses due to the remote and demanding nature of their work.“

Recognising these challenges, the camp was meticulously planned to provide a holistic range of medical services aimed at improving the health and well-being of forest staff. The services offered went beyond basic check-ups, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of these protectors of the wild.

Key medical services included:

• General health check-ups: Aimed at evaluating overall physical health, these assessments helped identify any underlying health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Anthropometric analysis: This involved measuring body proportions to assess nutritional status and detect early signs of malnutrition or obesity, common concerns in physically demanding jobs.
• Blood pressure (BP) and sugar testing: These tests were critical for diagnosing and managing hypertension and diabetes, conditions that can be exacerbated by stress and lack of regular medical attention.
• Hemoglobin estimation: This service focused on detecting anemia, which could impact the energy levels and performance of forest personnel.
• Electrocardiograms (ECG): For those in need, ECG services were provided to monitor heart health and detect any cardiovascular issues that could pose a risk.

Additionally, children from the Government Valmiki Ashram School in Nagarhole underwent screening for skin diseases. The camp also included educational sessions on healthcare awareness, cleanliness, and first-aid techniques, led by expert doctors, Dr Sathish Chandra M R, Department of Community Medicine, Dr Harshith C S from Department of General medicine, Dr B G Sree Sibi Chakravarthy and Interns Dr Akshatha Yogesh and Dr Ananya K Ram Animal husbandry Doctor Prayag with staff nurses and assistants.

Educational Initiatives for Forest Guards

A standout feature of the medical camp was the interactive Q&A session led by Dr. Satish Chandra, which proved to be both insightful and practical for the attendees. The session focused on addressing medical challenges frequently faced by forest personnel, particularly those arising from animal encounters and bites, which are a common occupational hazard for forest guards.

Forest personnel often work in close proximity to wildlife, exposing them to the risks of bites from snakes, scorpions, and other potentially dangerous animals. These incidents can escalate into serious medical emergencies if not handled promptly and correctly. Recognizing this, Mr. Chandra designed the session to provide step-by-step guidance on administering first aid, ensuring that forest guards are equipped to stabilize injuries until professional medical help arrives.

The session covered a range of scenarios, including:

• Identifying symptoms of venomous bites and differentiating them from non-venomous ones.
• Administering immediate first aid, such as cleaning wounds, applying pressure to slow venom spread, and immobilizing affected limbs.
• The do’s and don’ts of first aid, including avoiding harmful practices like cutting wounds or attempting to suck out venom.
• Proper use of first-aid kits, which are vital tools in remote forest areas.
• The importance of timely communication with nearby medical facilities and arranging for emergency evacuations when necessary.

The session also addressed the psychological aspect of dealing with such emergencies, emphasizing the need to stay calm and focused under pressure. Mr. Chandra engaged the audience with real-life examples and anecdotes, making the learning experience relatable and impactful.

Forest guards participated actively, asking questions about the unique challenges they face in their specific areas of operation. The interactive format allowed for a deeper understanding of the subject matter, with Mr. Chandra tailoring his responses to address specific concerns raised by the attendees.

By the end of the session, the forest guards left with enhanced confidence and practical skills to manage medical emergencies, ensuring their safety and that of their colleagues while on duty in the wild. This empowering experience underscored the importance of equipping those who protect our forests with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their health and well-being.

A key highlight was the interactive Q&A session conducted by Mr. Satish Chandra, assisted by Dr Prayag addressing medical challenges related to animal bites and effective first-aid responses. This session was tailored to empower forest guards to tackle medical emergencies they often encounter while on duty in the wild.

Leaders and Voices of Inspiration

The event witnessed active participation from various dignitaries and organizations:

Key Quotes from the Event:

ACF Ananya Kumar J emphasized the need for such initiatives, stating:
“Forest personnel do not get access to healthcare services frequently. These kinds of medical camps will help improve their health condition and enable them to take necessary precautions.”

D. Suman Kittur, Founder and Trustee of Beru Trust, remarked:
“Beru is always ready to work for human value, nature, and peaceful coexistence.”

Kishore Kumar, a trustee of Beru Trust and a noted artist, stressed the importance of environmental responsibility:
“Everyone should realize our responsibilities towards the environment and do our duty.”

Meghna Gaonkar, an artist, shared her thoughts:
“We should respect the environment and its protectors.”

Participants and Partners

The event saw participation from:

Forest Officers: RFO Manjunath and DYRFO Naveen Rawat

Collaborating Organisations: Swarna Nrisimha Datta Sai Peethika Trust and Charish Foundation.

Beru Members: Dr Prayag, Rekharani, Suchitra Venugopal, Srinivas, Surabhi, Vishnu Kumar, Harshita, Vishnu, and Gayatri

A Step Towards Conservation and Coexistence

The success of this medical camp underscores the importance of prioritizing the health of forest warriors who dedicate their lives to protecting our natural heritage. Beru Trust remains committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature through impactful initiatives like these.

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