The Community Health Fair, organized by BAPS Medical Services, was a resounding success in which people participated on April 8, 2000. The Health Fair was inaugurated by Mr. Dan Wilford, President of Memorial-Hermann Healthcare System, after the recitation of shanti paath. Lord Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami had donned the robes of a Surgeon thus inspiring the Health Fair volunteers and charging the atmosphere with a spirit of dedication and service to the community. Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and other Medical personnel volunteered their services for the whole day. Exhibition, Education and Examination were the salient features of this unique health fair. Equal emphasis was laid on preventive and corrective Health care.
Exhibition
Musculo-Skeletal system, upper respiratory system and the anatomy of the human ear were some of the exhibits that gave the participants an insight into the inner workings of the human body. Exhibits on preventive health care, anti-addiction, eating healthy vegetarian diets and a direct relationship between health and prayer were displayed in the BAPS booths.
Education
A wide variety of informative literature on subjects such as early childhood intervention, controlling cholesterol, weight loss, diet and exercise, blood pressure, diabetes, outsmarting allergies, managing depression and herbal medicine was available at the 36 booths. Students from the University of Houston-College of Pharmacy were at hand to educate participants about food and drug interactions.
Examination
Participants took advantage of the free physical examination. eye screening, audiograms, dental screening, blood cholesterol tests, blood sugar screening, Asthma/Allergy tests, EKGs, PAP tests, Mammograms and Bone Density tests were also performed. Participants took advantage of accu-pressure and chiropractic consultations. Around 40 bone marrow donors of Asian origin were registered too.
Inspired by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj patients are treated by BAPS Medical institutions worldwide through eight charitable hospitals and healthcare centers. Currently, BAPS Medical Services has permanent clinics in Dallas, Atlanta and New York. It is the vision of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj to have a Medical clinic in each of the Mandirs in North America. The future cultural complex at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston will have a permanent medical clinic to provide high quality health care to the community.