Expolanka provides free health care to elders on World Elders Day

Wednesday, 16 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Expolanka Holdings PLC organised a series of health camps in Aranayaka, Dematagoda, Pandura and Slave Island for over 600 elderly patients in commemoration of World Elders Day 2013. Expolanka together with HelpAge made it a point to provide free health care for persons with low incomes who required general medical checkups. The health camps offered patients with total health services that included Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation, vision care and dietary advice. The patients were also provided with free drugs on prescription which were handed out by the consultants at the health camp.

Commenting on the events, Expolanka Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR Paddy Weerasekera said: “Sri Lanka has an aging population and we believe there is a lot to be done in taking care of the elders. We must not only do this on this day but throughout the year and we at Expolanka are happy to be able to do our part to assist in whichever way we can. Expolanka will continue to do so in the future as well.” Further to the general health care provided at the camps, Expolanka CSR also offered the elderly with free eye care. Patients with severe eye damage were identified and they will be presented with spectacles and medication free of charge. Expolanka CSR called upon the assistance of HelpAge to strengthen the mission of the organisation and to channel resources where it will be best utilised in the treatment of the elderly and for the strong reputation the NGO bestows. Elders Day is dedicated to the older folk of Sri Lanka and is celebrated on 1 October. The theme for this year was ‘Preparing for old age throughout your life’. The Health Ministry predicts that the population of elders in the country is likely to double by 2030. As of now, elders account for 10% of the population. Apart from Expolanka’s CSR program, Expo Medix which is a low cost medical clinic, free health camps and awareness programs on health and diseases are also degree scholarship programs, disaster relief, infrastructure development, food programs and environmental initiatives, including World Water Day, Earth Hour and Environment Day activities. All CSR projects are focused on five areas; health, education, environment, community development and disaster relief covering most of the societal needs of the country and thus establishing Expolanka as a corporate citizen working for a better tomorrow.