Pink caravan to offer free medical checkups across UAE

Knights in pink armour will hit the UAE roads once again on February 23 as the ninth edition of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) returns to increase breast cancer awareness and offer free medical consultations. The annual event will see volunteers cover all seven emirates on horseback till March 1.

The past eight editions of the Friends of Cancer Patients' (FoCP) PCR have boosted the community's knowledge about breast cancer, and corrected misconceptions about the illness.
So far, it has travelled 1,700km across the seven emirates with 490 riders and 700 volunteers, providing free medical tests and screenings to 56,000 men and women, which have led to the diagnosis of 61 breast cancer cases.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Founder and Royal Patron of the FoCP, said: "The Pink Caravan represents a pillar of the Emirati community. It is a manifestation of the solidarity our upbringing is based on. All the hard work that makes every edition of the PCR a success is not only reflected in the awareness it offers - the campaign is (also) an example of the unity of the UAE community, and how we live as one family under the nation's roof."

Sheikha Jawaher has called on all segments of society to gear up and partake in the PCR's 9th edition. Participation opportunities include administrative duties, riding opportunities, medical and civil volunteering, as well as donation campaigns.

Each year, the PCR travels around all seven emirates, educating people through its four different routes. The Equine Route sees 150 female and male equines from all nationalities advocating awareness through the seven-day campaign. The Medical Route is led by 30 fixed and mobile clinics, as well as 200 medical personnel who offer free medical examinations. The Events Route hosts a series of community events and fundraisers. The Fundraising Route is represented by over 150 volunteers.

In February 2018, the PCR launched a permanent mobile mammography clinic, which offers a comprehensive package of medical services for all members of the community throughout the year. It provides 3D mammography screening and diagnostic breast imaging, as well as cervical screening tests, which is the first service to be added to a mobile medical unit at the global level. Other medical tests offered at the clinic include diabetes and blood sugar level, blood pressure, osteoporosis, as well as height and weight measurement.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com