Mega health screening camp for tribal women in West S’bhum

Jamshedpur: Women Doctors Wing (WDW) of IMA Jharkhand and the state forest department, supported by West Singhbhum administration, have launched Drishti Suraksha and Mahila Swasthya Suraksha Abhiyaan to address critical health issues among tribal and indigenous population.
Following a successful camp in Gua, Saranda on June 14, the second camp took place on Monday at Goelkera Community Health Centre in West Singhbhum.The camp saw participation of 1,695 tribal and primitive tribal families residing near Goelkera and adjacent areas.
Around 300 were screened for eye problems, of them 97 cataract cases were referred to Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital, Ranchi. On a video call for cervical pre-cancer and cervical erosion, about 130 women were screened for cervical cancer, of which 11 were given cryo treatment. Comprehensive screening for sickle cell anaemia, malaria and tuberculosis was also conducted.
Apart from treatment, the aim of the initiative is also to create a data bank to record the prevalence of various diseases among tribals, which will aid in future healthcare planning. Volunteers will also raise awareness about disease prevention, importance of timely medical intervention, and available healthcare resources along with providing training to healthcare providers.
"This multifaceted campaign is poised to bring about significant health improvements in the region. By providing essential medical treatments and raising health awareness, the initiative aims to enhance the overall health and well-being of the tribal communities. The creation of a health data bank will facilitate better-informed healthcare strategies in the future," said Bharati Kashyap, chairperson of WDW IMA, Jharkhand.
“Women suffering from genital inflammation who came to the camp were treated with medicines because chronic genital inflammation later takes the form of cervical cancer,” she added.
The camp was inaugurated by Chaibasa DC Kuldeep Chaudhary along with civil surgeon Dr Sahir Paul and other govt officials.