Friday, June 10 2005 10:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Durban: Doctors and paramedical staff of two Indian Naval Ships, INS Aditya and INS Trishul, anchored in the local harbour for the past three days, have held a medical camp at the Mahatma Gandhi Phoenix Settlement in Durban.

A large number of people affected by various illnesses, including the common flu were treated by them.

The medical team, which spent about half-a-day at the settlement, also conducted health check-ups of all the learners of the Kasturba Gandhi Primary School in the settlement.

Mr A Mookherjee, an official at the Indian Consulate who accompanied the team, said the camp was a great success.

"This medical camp is a token of the warm friendship and co-operation existing between the peoples and Governments of India and South Africa," he said.

Since 1994, India has assisted in the reconstruction of the settlement and the Kasturba Gandhi Primary School.

The Vice-President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, donated an ambulance and a mobile medical for providing health care facilities to the communities during his visit to Durban.

The President of India, A P J Abbul Kalam also announced the setting up of Skills Development/Entrepreneurship Centre at the settlement when he visited the country in 2004.

Meanwhile, two warships, INS Delhi and INS Ganga, entered Cape Town harbour yesterday (Jun 9, 2005) for a three-day visit and will conduct joint exercises with the South African Navy.