Our free medical clinic functions in the northern part of Chennai through which we are able to treat nearly 100 - 120 patients daily. The environmental conditions of this area is extremely hazardous to human life because of city wastes which is dumped in this slum.  No proper solid or liquid waste disposal is available in this area. So it is a breading area and shelter for reptiles and mosquitoes. Air pollution is one of the common problems here. The majority of the houses in this place are without adequate lighting and ventilation. The prevailing diseases are also due to the lack of the environmental sanitation. It needs complete bio-engineering work and cultural development.

The older adults in this area are uncivilized. The younger individuals are going to school to some extent and the maximum school attendance is to 8th or 9th grade standard.  After the minimal time of schooling the children select one job such as working in small factories, shops or in houses. Thus, they do not know the value and importance of education. They need to earn money for their existence and daily life.

Communicable diseases, malnutrition, poor environmental sanitation and insufficient medical care are the main problems in this area.  Stagnation of wastewater causes the risk of malaria. The unhygienic dietary habits and poor sanitation, plus worm infestation are common causes of diarrhea in this location. The air born diseases, like respiratory infection and bronchial asthma are common in this area due to the air pollution and poor environment.  Tuberculosis is another public health problem. The filarial problems also commonly seen in this slum.

The specific nutritional problems in the region are protein-energy malnutrition, nutritional anemia and low birth weight. The highest prevalence of nutritional anemia in women and children are found in here as well.  About one half of non-pregnant women and young children suffer from an anemic disorder and more than 70 percent of pregnant women are anemic. Maternal death, due to iron deficiency anemia, is very common here. The maternal malnutrition and anemia are the most common cause for low birth weight among those in this region.

The hospital based health care system is very inadequate in this area. Disease-oriented health protection is not available. Preventive care is almost non-existent. The people living in this slum area are seeking for more suitable medical care for just their basic health needs.  These women need prenatal and postnatal hospital care and treatment for medical emergencies.  The people in this area need adequate health care and our free medical clinic and free medical aid is provided by THE JESUS MISSION.

Through our medical mission people receive free medical treatment everyday. Nearly 100 to 120 patients are being treated and special health care is given to children and women. Periodical health awareness programs are arranged to educate the community and community health education is provided for the people.  We give special prenatal and postnatal care to pregnant women.  Children are treated for nutritional problems and infectious diseases. Periodical health checkups are given to distressed elderly people with diabetes and hypertension.  Most of the drugs that are offered are given freely. The medical clinic functions mainly in the evening hours, because most of the people in this area work as day laborers and are unable to come during the day because of their work schedules.  Dr. Jeyarani is in charge of the clinic and 6 paramedical workers work along side of her in this medical mission.

Our Need: We have new patients coming for assistance every day needing help and the monthly expenses for the free medical clinic is increasing.  Moreover, the cost of drugs, such as antibiotics, is very high.  We need your helping hands to support this ministry to help the poor and downtrodden. If more support is received we can operate the medical mission in a more efficient and effective manner.   We need sponsors that are willing to donate for this mission, as our expenses run $250 per day.