Pap Smear Test Camp at Shirva Deanery

Reported and Pictures by: Mario Mathias
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 12 July 2010:  Catholic Women Council (CWC) of Shirva   Deanery, USWAS- U.A.E (Dubai) jointly organized a Pap Smear test camp for the benefit of the women of Shirva Deanery on Sunday, 11th July 2010 from 9:00 am to 1.00 pm. The testing camp was conducted by the Kasturba Medical Hospital- OBG DEPT.  The team consisted of Dr. Swami, Dr. Salomi, Dr. Nimisha and Dr.Sushma Co-coordinator. The Programme was inaugurated by Rev.Fr. Richard Coelho the Spiritual Director of CWC of Shirva Deanery who addressed the gathering. Dr. Sushma stressed the need to impart awareness among women on the Pap Smear test and gave comprehensive information on the test and pointed out the medical facilities available to avoid further complications.  This programme was attended by 125 women and also underwent the Pap Smear test. 

Pap Smear test is a screening test for cervical cancer based on the examination under the microscope of cells collected from the cervix, smeared on a slide and specially stained to reveal premalignant (before cancer) and malignant (cancer) changes as well as changes due to noncancerous conditions such as inflammation from infections.

The Pap technique  also known as Pap smear was developed by and named after George Papanicolaou (1883-1962), a Greek-born physician and scientist who moved to the U.S. In 1923, while looking at vaginal smears from women with cervical cancer, Papanicolaou saw cancer cells. After two decades of research on this subject, he reported in 1943 that both cervical and uterine cancer could be detected in their early stages with this test that has, since its inception, saved innumerable lives.

In addition to Pap Smear test camp, in order to improve the bio-diversity of the area and also to celebrate ‘Vanamahotsava’ saplings of fruits and flowers were planted by USWAS-UAE (Dubai) Treasurer- Mr.Herald Mathias and Dr. Girish of PHC Shirva.

Catholic Women Council president Mrs. Maria Mathias welcomed the gathering, Secretary -Theresa Machado proposed vote of thanks, and Treasurer- Irene Mendonca was the Master of Ceremony.

The Vice President of Our Lady of Health Parish Mr. Norbert Machado, Secretary Mr. Melwyn Aranha, USWAS- U.A.E (Dubai) Representative-Mr.Nelson Castelino and Mr.Mario Mathias, Mr. Stany D’Souza, and Catholic Women Council Shirva Deanery members were present.