Mobile Clinic brings health services to Greek-Cypriot refugee community in Kamares

As part of the Medical School’s commitment to addressing the needs of underserved populations, the Mobile Clinic visited the Greek-Cypriot refugee settlement in Kamares on Sunday, 9 November.

Throughout the day, 20 medical students transformed the Apostolos Varnavas Churchyard into a welcoming community health station, offering free blood pressure, glucose, spirometry, and BMI screenings to more than 50 local residents.

Guided by Clinical Associate Professor Danagra Ikossi, the students combined clinical skills with compassion, ensuring that every resident received attentive care. The visit became an opportunity for genuine connection – a moment for students and residents to build mutual understanding across generations and backgrounds.

This initiative marks the third part in the Medical School’s ongoing collaboration with the Municipality of Larnaka, the Pancyprian Refugee Association, and the Ministry of Health’s Dental Services Mobile Unit.

Together, these partners are delivering four Mobile Clinic visits across Larnaka’s Greek-Cypriot refugee communities.

‘Being part of the mobile clinic was a meaningful experience of my medical training. I enjoyed meeting new people of the community and providing them with different health services whilst also working in a team environment with my fellow medical students. We are very fortunate as a university to be able to have services like the mobile clinic’.

 Shadman Zaman, GEMD Y4, Canada

‘It was my first time practicing skills like measuring BMI, spirometry, and glucose levels, but the staff and community members were so kind and supportive ensuring everyone felt confident and comfortable. This experience reminded me that studying medicine is not just about caring for others physically, but also about showing empathy and compassion in every interaction’.

Najwa Awad, MD Y2, Jordan

‘Applying classroom learning to real patient interactions, performing vital checks and offering health advice, was profoundly impactful. The community’s genuine warmth and trust boosted my confidence to apply what I’ve learnt in a real life setting. This experience strengthened my aspiring role as an empathetic, skilled and compassionate doctor’.

Megan Saaiman, MD Y3, South Africa

Following the expedition, the students had the opportunity to explore the local area, including a visit to the 18th-century aqueduct in Kamares. They also toured the Islamic landmark, Hala Sultan Tekke, situated on the west bank of Larnaca’s Salt Lake, gaining insight into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The students wrapped up their their day with a meal in the old quarter of Larnaca.