Staff Reporters
DIMAPUR, SEP 26 (NPN): A series of free medical and health screening camps were organised across Dimapur and Wokha districts on Saturday, drawing large participation from residents and underscoring the importance of community based healthcare initiatives.
At Liphi Yan (Yanmhon area) under Wokha district, the Kyong Nchumchio Okho (KNO), Dimapur organised a free medical camp that drew more than 150 patients from the village and adjoining areas. The camp was aimed at providing basic healthcare to people who face difficulties in travelling to distant places for medical treatment.
According to organisers, nine doctors and eight nurses attended the camp along with MO Liphi village, Dr. Ngukato Chishi. The medical team included specialists in general surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, dentistry and general medicine. KNO chairman Mhademo Kithan and vice chairman Dr. Chanbemo Kikon said the turnout was beyond expectations, with patients continuing to arrive even after the camp concluded. They expressed gratitude to the village council and public for their support.
Formed in 2010, KNO currently has 38 members who contribute among themselves to finance activities such as medical camps and programmes promoting young Lotha talents through concerts and other platforms. Medicines were partly contributed by doctors who are KNO members, while other expenses were met through member contributions.
A doctor from the medical team said most patients were elderly, with common complaints including body ache and weakness. He advised residents with minor ailments to consult doctors at the local PHC, while those with serious health problems should seek treatment at higher facilities. He lauded KNO’s initiative, noting that such community based camps could inspire other organisations to undertake similar efforts. Villagers expressed appreciation for the camp, stating that the availability of doctors from different specialties and free medicines made the programme especially beneficial.
Meanwhile, in Dimapur, a free health screening camp was held at St. Peter’s School, Purana Bazaar, Lane 10, offering five basic screenings to residents. Sponsored by East Dimapur councillor Nito Achumi and DMC councillor Enoch Wotsa, the camp was conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the involvement of 13 doctors, nurses and technicians from Faith Hospital.
Screenings included Bone Mineral Density (BMD), lipid profile, FibroScan, uric acid test and eye check up. The BMD screening helped assess bone density and identify osteoporosis, while the lipid profile measured cholesterol and triglyceride levels to assess cardiovascular risk. FibroScan, a painless and non invasive test, was conducted to assess liver stiffness and fat, helping identify conditions such as fatty liver and fibrosis. The uric acid test measured blood uric acid levels linked to gout and kidney stones, while the eye check up focused on vision and overall eye health, identifying problems such as cataract and glaucoma.
Councillor Nito Achumi said more than 200 people availed themselves of the camp, reflecting the importance of making basic health screening services accessible to the community. He thanked the medical team from Faith Hospital for their service and acknowledged the support of councillor Enoch Wotsa, stating that collaborative initiatives could help promote preventive healthcare and encourage regular check ups.
In another initiative, a medical camp was held at Niu Colony under the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, organised by DMC Ward 22 councillor Kivikali H. Chishi in collaboration with the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Dimapur. The camp focused on promoting early detection of tuberculosis and other health concerns, particularly among vulnerable sections of the population.
A total of seven medical personnel from the Primary Health Centre and six from the Chief Medical Officer’s extended medical care participated in the camp. Medical tests included HIV, hypertension, TB, sugar and general tests, while screening was carried out using handheld X ray facilities. Altogether, 102 patients benefitted from the programme.
Niu Colony GB Hozka K. Awomi expressed gratitude to the councillor for organising the camp, stating that it had greatly benefitted residents. DMC Ward 22 comprises five colonies under Burma Camp-Veterinary Colony, Niu Colony, Rangailong Colony, Kevichusa Colony and Rainbow Colony.