KSSS
Kottayam Social Service Society
Kottayam Social Service Society
Health is a state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Within the context of health promotion, health has been considered less as an abstract state and more as a means to an end, which can be expressed, in functional terms as a resource for everyday life. It is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities. KSSS initiated different programmes in the health sector with our focus mainly on the prevention of diseases, awareness creation, promotion of holistic health, and rehabilitation.
Santhwanam 2008 aims at cancer awareness and provides cancer screening tests with the assistance of professionals from the Medical College at Kottayam. Besides the free medical camps, the program also provides cancer immunology information classes at the village level and training for the field staff.
With the participation of Carithas Ayurveda Hospital, KSSS has been conducting Ayurveda Medical Camps at the regional level for the Senior Group members. Free distribution of medicines free medical checkups are provided at these camps.
With the cooperation of the Indian Dental Association Kottayam, KSSS is conducting Dental Camps in the villages as a health programme. The services provided in the dental camps are: cleaning, dental checkups, and filling dental cavities. Awareness session on Oral health, Dental Check-up, cleaning, tooth filling etc. were services offered as part of the camp.
Eye is an important organ and people must pay attention to keeping it in good condition. Keeping this in mind KSSS in association with the Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly, Kerala organized Eye Check-up Camps with the aim of detecting Cataract. These camps were organized at the regional level. During the camps 96 members were found with cataract problems from 80 villages and 63 members underwent free-surgery for cataract.
KSSS with KCC Kidangoor organized free eye camp in association with Little Flower Hospital, Angamally with the aim to create awareness among people and provide them free services like eye care education and full eye checkups. The camp was held at Kattachira village and the camp was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Ettiyepally (GVS President, Kattachira). In the camp people are treated by the experienced and skilled medical care professionals (optometrists) from Little Flower Hospital.
Out of 155 people participated, 35 people were identified with cataract disease. KSSS conducts multiple eye screening camps in its operational areas with the purpose to educate people in methods of prevention of eye diseases and proper care of the eyes in order to ensure better and lasting eye-sight.
Homeo Medical Camp was conducted in collaboration with Kurichy NSS A thuraashramam Homeo Medical College where in free services under the guidance of 16 proficient doctors. Lessons were imparted on Maternal and Child Health issues. Homeo medical camp was successfully conducted at Arthootimangalam, Punnathara, Koodallooor, Kurumulloor, Old Kallara, and Kaipuzha villages. Approximately 1200 members participated in all.
KSSS in association with Agape Movement, Chicago, has made a remarkable intervention through the Agape Family Renewal Project. The project which was inaugurated by Revenue Minister Sri. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on August 21st envisages the making of a society free from the bondages of alcohol. The project activities comprise awareness seminars, free-medical camps, counseling services, rehabilitation services etc. and in its initial phase shall be confined within the Kidangoor village. Various dignitaries present during the inaugural function included the Bishop of the Chicago Diocese, Mar Jacob Angadiath; Bishop of the Miav Diocese, Rev. Mar George Palliparambil and the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam, Mar Joseph Pandarasseril.
As per an article in the Hindu Newspaper on May 30, 2012 “Understanding the tobacco industry’s practices is crucial for the success of tobacco control policies. In this context, it’s important also to understand that tobacco products are the only legally available products that can kill up to one half of their regular users if consumed as recommended by the manufacturer.” Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, estimated to kill more than five million people each year worldwide.
Under the guidance of KSSS, awareness class on impact of Drugs was taken for Uzhavoor region on June 25th for the smart group children. Seminar was taken on ill-effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The class was attended by 139 students.
Health insurance is insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. KSSS had initiated the ‘My Healthy Family’ Insurance Scheme in collaboration with National Insurance Company Ltd. in the context of the Centenary of the Kottayam Archeparchy. A total of 7269 families were insured under the programme and an amount of Rs. 75,30, 314/- was given as claims to 1677 families.
Blood, it is a gift we all have inside of us to give to those who are injured, sick, or in need. KSSS makes people aware of the importance of Blood Donation and that through this noble act; they could potentially save precious lives. Keeping this aim in mind KSSS formed Blood Donation Armies at the village level. As per Database Statistics in 2020-21 at the central level 3327 people have become part of this Blood Donation Wing.
Kottayam Social Service Society in association with Oxfam India organized women hygiene awareness and training for making cloth sanitary pads for the Self Help Group members of KSSS. Around 120 women from Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts benefited from the programme. Mrs.Shiny Lalu (PHP Assistant, Oxfam), Mrs. Sija Binu, Mr. Jithu Sunny, Mrs.Pushpamma A., Mrs.Mariyamma John, Mrs. Sajini,Mrs. Sandhya Aniyan and Mrs.Leena Sibichan (Volunteers, KSSS) led the training sessions.
In the state of Kerala,‘Karkidakam’is the time for rejuvenation and detoxifying the body. KSSS in association with Caritas Ayurveda hospital distributed Karkidakakanji kits sized for a week, with the aim of improving immunity and thereby preventing lifestyle diseases. Fr. Sunil Perumanoor(Secretary, KSSS) inaugurated the programme in the presence of Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil (Asst. Secretary, KSSS)and SHG Volunteers. The Kits were distributed in Kaipuzha,Edackat, Kidangoor, Chunkom, Malankara, Kaduthuruthy andUzhavoor regions of KSSS.
Monsoon is the season when people tend to suffer from upsetting communicable diseases. In this context, KSSS organized ‘Mazhakuda’ to prevent monsoon diseases as well as to ensure water literacy. Mr. George Pullatu, (Municipal Chairman,Ettumanoor) inaugurated the programme Professor Dr. Shobha. A (Community Medicine Department, Kottayam Medical College) presided over thefunction. Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil (Asst. Secretary, KSSS), Mrs.Mercy Stephen (Coordinator, KSSS) and Mrs.Chinnamma Rajan (Coordinator,KSSS) delivered speeches. Professor Dr. Shobha and Dr. Quincy Mariyam Jacob led the seminar organized as part of the programme. Volunteers from Edackat and Kaipuzha regions of KSSS participatedin the programme.
In order to sensitize and educate the people on the dreadful killer disease of Cancer, KSSS organized street plays in various villages of Pathanamthitta district on February 4th, World Cancer Day. The street play was organized as part of Ashakiranam Project implemented by KSSS in association with Caritas India. The Women Shingarimelam team of Chunkom region performed this street play ‘Thirichuarinju Thirichuvaram’ vividly depicting how Cancer can kill the human race silently. Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Secretary, KSSS), Field staff and Ashakiranam volunteers coordinated the programme.
As part of flood rehabilitation activities, Kottayam Social Service Society in association with Goonj organized Cleaning campaign and distributed rehabilitation kits at Eraviperoor and Vallamkulam villages of Pathanamthitta district. The premises of Vallamkullam market and Anganawadi in 8thand 9thwards of Eraviperoor Panchayath were cleaned as part of the campaign. Around 100 SHG members volunteered. Rehabilitation Kits including clothes and utensils worth Rs. 3500 were given to the volunteers as incentives. Vegetable farming and compost units were also supported. Mrs. Anjali Lizbel Simon (Goonj Representative), Mr. Vivek Pandai (Goonj Representative), Mrs. Bessy Jose (Coordinator) and Mrs. Thresiamma Kuruvilla (Animator) led the programme.
Aiming to enhance the services of Primary Health Centres, KSSS in partnership with CBM India Trust distributed medical equipments to eight Primary Health Centres in Alappuzha District. Mr. Sabu Thottunkal (Panchayath President, Veliyanadu) inaugurated the programme held at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, Veliyanadu. Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, KSSS) presided over the meeting. Mr. Varghese Chandy(Trustee, CBM Trust) distributed ECG machine, Glucometer, Tins, Wheelchairs, Medical beds, and Refrigerators worth Rs.8,00,000/- in the programme.Fr. Mathew Kannalayil(GVS President,Veliyanadu), Dr. Sidhartha (Superintendent, Alappuzha General Hospital), Mrs. Ansu Abraham(Grant Officer, CBM Trust) delivered speeches.
Today more and more people are falling into the trap of various lifestyle diseases like obesity, heart attack, diabetes, hypertension,(High blood pressure) depression and even cancer. Lifestyle diseases, As the name suggests, are caused by lifestyle habits, and hence they can be prevented by following simple changes in day to day life. What is more concerning is that the occurrences of these diseases are becoming higher among youth and even small children are affected by the same. Blame it on a hectic and tight busy work schedules, smoking habits, alcohol abuse, sleepless nights, skipping meals, spending long hours in front computers and unhealthy diets and quick bites at coffee bars.
In this context, KSSS Uzhavoor Mens SHG(Kera) in collaboration with Caritas Hospital, Thellakom on Lifestyle Diseases and Preventive Measures at St. Stephen`s Church, Parish Hall, Uzhavoor. The programme was organized with the financial assistance from CSR fund of Federal Bank. The session was taken by Dr. Jeevan Joseph (Caritas Hospital). The programme was showcased to 261 participants from the village.
KSSS in association with Kumarakom Ayurveda Dispensary organized Ayurvedic Medical Camp at Kumarakom Church Parish Hall. The main participants and focus of the programme were the senior citizens of Edackattu Region. Dr. Binu George (GED, Ayamanam) and Dr. Ramakrishnan examined each patient along with their medical history. Detailed check-up and medicines were offered to each individual. There were 80 participants for the camp.
Asakiranam – Cancer care Campaign is a project envisaged by Caritas India – the Social Service department under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and being implemented by the various diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala. To motivate people to create a world free from pain and suffering of cancer and to remove the fear which comes out of ignorance and misconception, KSSS conducted flash mob at St. Thomas Church, Kuruppanthara. Smart group of Kaduthurthy Region of KSSS co-ordinated the programme organized as part of Ashakiranam Project of Caritas India implemented with the aim to create awareness of cancer and to fill hope in the mind of people.
The members of self help groups in Uzhavoor region conducted a complimentary food distribution for the patients admitted in cancer ward of Medical College, Kottayam. Fr. Bibin Kandoth (Assistant Executive Secretary of KSSS), Mrs. Mary Philip and Jijy Joy (Coordinators), animators of Uzhavoor region and self help group members were gave guidance to the programme.
