Launched under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative by the Government of India and on the occasion of World Health, Special Olympics Bharat (SO Bharat) yesterday successfully concluded the largest National Health Fest for people with Intellectual Disability (Divyangjan). This initiative offered free health screening of a intellectual total of over 90,000 athletes with disabilities exceeding the target of 75,000 in over 75 cities of India to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
The screenings were conducted by 7075 clinical volunteers, across 139 locations in 31 States, through an overwhelming support received at th National and local levels by the Government bodies, corporates and communities. The maximum screenings in any one location were held in the Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where over 7500 athletes were screened across Special Olympics key health screening initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Director, Karnavati University, Prof. (Dr) Rohan Bhatt said, “We had over 1800 volunteers on ground on the day of the screening including university students, doctors and Masters’ students working relentlessly. I am very thankful to them for being able to execute this mammoth task of successfully conducting screenings of over 7500 intellectually disabled athletes here at our premises.”
The National program culminated in a grand celebration held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, which was graced by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat, Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister expressed, “Today has become a special day for Gujarat. This programme is aimed at the health of people with intellectual disabilities and has become a unique and inspirational one on the occasion of World Health Day. This National Health Fest will become an example of healthcare and boost the health of people with intellectual disabilities. It has shown a new path in their lives.”
Conducted over 100,000 in dental (Special Smiles), eye care (Opening Eyes) and Health parameters (Health Promotion- prevention & nutrition) medical screenings. Prior to the event 8772 medical and sports professionals were trained, getting familiar with Intellectual Disability and the Special Olympics protocols while also gaining an experience of engaging with Persons with intellectual Disability.
