Singapore medical students organise migrant worker health screening carnival
Published: 13 Feb 2026
The Project Constructing Care Collaboration 2026 team, with volunteers from NUS, NTU, SIT, St Andrew’s Migrant Worker Medical Centre, and NHG.
The Annual Migrant Worker Health Carnival was held at Terusan Recreation Centre on 18 January 2026, organised by the Project Constructing Care Collaboration (CCC). A total of 270 migrant workers took part in this free health screening, supported by about 130 volunteers from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NUS Dentistry, SIT Physiotherapy, St Andrew’s Migrant Worker Medical Centre, and NHG family medicine residents.
Founded in 2018, CCC is dedicated to improving access to healthcare for migrant workers in Singapore. This year’s screening was led by a group of dynamic Year 2 medical students: Pranav Shivaprakash Rao(NUS Medicine), Kumaravel Deepanakash (LKC Medicine) and Sanjuana Dharmaraj (LKC Medicine), under the mentorship of Dr Deepika Kandilya from the Department of Anatomy at NUS Medicine. This project was also supported by the NUS Medicine’s Office for Students, Health, Humanitarian and Leadership (HHL) Programme, under the guidance of Dr Kristy Fu, Dr Lee Ziyao and Ms Mahanom Binte Ahmad.
Registration and blood pressure screening at the start of the health assessment.
The health screening focused on the early detection of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood glucose measurements were taken to assess metabolic risk. In partnership with SIT physiotherapy students, workers were also assessed for musculoskeletal conditions and taught simple stretching exercises to help prevent work-related injuries.
Trying out stretching exercises at the physiotherapy station.
A dental screening was also introduced this year in collaboration with students from NUS Dentistry, to emphasise the importance of oral hygiene. Complementing the clinical services, health education was delivered through interactive game booths designed to raise awareness of healthy dietary choices and workplace safety.
Oral health education at the dental screening station.
Interactive health education games promoting healthy eating and safe work practices.
To overcome the language barrier, a dedicated translator was stationed at each registration booth to facilitate smooth communication and ensure a comfortable experience for the workers. Each participant also received a goodie bag sponsored by CCC’s partners.
Complimentary goodie bags generously provided by our sponsors.
Overall, migrant workers benefited from this initiative, as many may delay seeking care due to long working hours, language barriers, financial constraints, and limited familiarity with Singapore’s healthcare system. The medical students involved in CCC also gained valuable exposure to the healthcare challenges faced by migrant workers, a community that often remains outside mainstream healthcare systems. Beyond screening and education, this health screening carnival strengthened community engagement, and helped build trust and credibility between the healthcare volunteers and the migrant worker community.
