The department of community medicine, under the leadership of Dr Sajida Naseem, has been actively involved in engaging students of all years of MBBS in participating in social and welfare work. Keeping this tradition alive, a visit was planned to the SOS village in sector H-11, Islamabad. Not only was it a way to guide the children and their families about everyday health-related issues and provide them with medication, but also for the students to relax and unwind from their hectic academic schedule by participating in extracurricular activities with the children.

Due to the ongoing security situation, the local authorities met the faculty and children with hesitation. However, that did not stop the department nor the students who were determined to visit the SOS Village and play their part for the welfare of society, even if it meant walking long distances to reach the school.

The school administration greeted the faculty and students, who had already coordinated with department members to set up stations where children and their families could interact with the medical students and engage them in health-related discussions.

The stations ranged from general physical examination, recording of weight & height, mid-arm circumference, and BMI calculation to growth chart monitoring. Students of Y-3 showed much enthusiasm and were actively involved with the children and their families.

Vitamin D drops were given to the children, and calcium and iron supplements were donated as these nutritional deficiencies are prevalent in our society.

The epitome of enthusiasm and dedication of the students can be drawn from the fact that they were able to raise Rs. 52,000, which was split into donations directly given to the administration and procuring medications and supplements.

Apart from the medical aspect of this visit, students and children participated in various games and extra circular activities and encouraged the need for such activities in our daily lives.

Since this visit overlapped with the ongoing “World Epilepsy Day”, the services of respected Professor Dr Maimoona Siddiqui, Consultant Neurologist SIH, gave the SOS children an insight on the fundamentals of epilepsy to create awareness regarding prompt diagnosis and management.

The students welcomed this activity and requested Dr Sajida to host more visits like this as it was an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with empathy.