A Day of Care and Awareness at the Doctors of the World’s Open Polyclinic
Dimitra Ragiadakou, dermatologist and volunteer with MdM Greece, participated in a dedicated health initiative held on Thursday, July 3rd, at MdM’s Open Polyclinic in Athens, to mark World Skin Health Day. During the activity, over 110 individuals received dermatological examinations.
In the Polyclinic’s five consultation rooms, visitors had the opportunity to receive dermatological check-ups from MdM’s dedicated team of volunteer doctors. Dimitra treated cases such as papillomas, dermatitis, fungal infections, and, most commonly, scabies. Where necessary, medical advice was given, as well as skincare items and appropriate medication. For more serious or persistent conditions, follow-up appointments or referrals to specialized healthcare services were arranged.
Skin health depends on conditions that are often out of reach for people in socially or economically vulnerable situations: access to hygiene, hydration, proper nutrition, and the ability to avoid sun, dust, or humidity. Regular check-ups and medical follow-up are key to prevention and treatment. As Dimitra pointed out, describing a patient with multiple nodules who had avoided medical care for years: “It was the first time I had seen something like this in my life.”
Dimitra was joined by Eleftheria, Christos, and Dimitris, medical students who took part in the action through HelMSIC. Although still in the early years of their studies, they have already realized that volunteering in health care initiatives is what keeps the human side of medicine alive for them. They are convinced that helping people with multiple vulnerabilities is a vital part of the “better world” they strive for, and they often participate in other MdM activities. Offering practical support to those in need gives them great satisfaction and a sense of purpose. “Even though we don’t yet have clinical experience, just being here and offering practical help means we can be present for people who come seeking care,” says Dimitris.
The dermatological screening was an initiative of Intersos Hellas and Bridges2Health&Rights, carried out with the support of MdM Greece at the facilities of its Athens Open Polyclinic. The Greek Forum for Refugees, HelMSIC Hellas, and the 1st Clinic of Venereal and Dermatological Diseases of the University of Athens, Andreas Syggros Hospital, also collaborated in this effort.
