Women’s Day is a global celebration that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women from all walks of life. In the modern world, women are achieving as equal as men in every field. However, the work burden has increased to the women when it comes to balance the career and family. Most of the working women are finding difficulties to take care of their health and wellness. Therefore, Medical camps for women are crucial for promoting health and well-being, especially in underserved areas, by providing access to essential healthcare services, education, and resources, often free of charge.

Plantation industry is a significant industry consisted with majority of women employees. Women in plantation sector play major role as a key-resources to earn and act as a bread-winner to the respective families. The plantation sector women involved directly and indirectly to the operation as Pluckers, Plantation family welfare officers (PFWOs), Child development officers (CDOs), Factory workers, office staff, etc. PFWOs is the role can assume a wide variety of roles in connecting community with estate management, public services, health care, child care, social development and other relevant services. CDOs are playing the role of take care of the children and closely monitoring their overall development. These women play a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of their communities, often balancing demanding work with family responsibilities while paying least attention to their own health and wellbeing. As a result, they often neglect their own health and well-being. As Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) identified these areas followed by critical analysis, planned to initiate a comprehensive health camp to support the female employees of the estate to make them involve on certain health screening and advocacy.

For women working in plantations, the women’s day celebration holds even greater significance. In the year of 2025, PHDT commemorated the International Women’s Day with the Estate health and welfare staff. As part of this commitment, on March 15, 2025, a comprehensive health camp was conducted exclusively for plantation women staff a to screen and ensure their health with the support of Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) officials. PHDT has requested involvement of few other stakeholders (PALM & FPA) to be the part of this course of act to witness the success of this initiative.

The following aspects have been covered as key elements;

 

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Screening

Resources:

  • Dr. Shamla, MONCD, RDHS Office, Nuwara Eliya
  • Dr. Pavithra, MO, PMCU, Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya

 

The health staff were undergone for the Blood glucose level, BMI and Blood pressure check ups and those who have indicated with the risk were referred to extensive treatment and monthly clinics.

 

 

Anemic Screening

Hemoglobin level was checked up to all the staff and identified with severe anemic condition were referred to the nearby hospital by MONCD for extensive treatment and follow up.

 

 

Well-women screening

Resources:

  • Dr. Gopinath, MOMCH, RDHS office, Nuwara Eliya
  • Dr. Sudharshan, AMOH, MOH Office, Nuwara Eliya

Well-woman clinics play a vital role in screening for cancers like breast and cervical cancer through regular examinations, Pap smears, and mammograms. On the day, fortunately few women were identified with breast lumps and abnormal white dispatch. And the referred individuals were directed to Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital for extensive treatment.

 

 

Oral Health Screening

Resources:

  • Dr. Randeni, RDS, RDHS Office, Nuwara Eliya

All the staff were undergone for dental check up and identified people with dental cavities and other oral health issues were referred for treatment to nearby hospital by RDS.

 

 

The event was a remarkable success, reflecting the collective efforts of healthcare professionals and community stakeholders in prioritizing women’s well-being. By investing in the health and empowerment of plantation women, PHDT is not only improving individual lives but also strengthening families and communities as a whole.

This Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a future where every woman, regardless of her background, has access to the resources, respect, and recognition she rightfully deserves.