NPF Youth Wing urges public to avail free govt health services

DIMAPUR, AUG 6 (NPN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Youth Wing, Chümoukedima Division, in collaboration with the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chümoukedima, organised a free medical camp-cum-Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) awareness and registration drive. The initiative, part of a statewide campaign launched by the party’s central youth wing from August 1 to 10, aimed to bring healthcare services closer to the people while creating awareness about government health schemes.
The camp provided free consultations, disease screening, counselling and CMHIS registration. During a press conference, health officials highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and health insurance coverage, urging citizens to make full use of government-provided services.
NPF Youth Wing president, Chümoukedima Division, Zuchumo Mozhui, expressed gratitude to the CMO’s office and healthcare workers for their support. He informed that similar camps were being conducted across Nagaland and announced that another free medical camp would be held at the Supermarket area in Dimapur on Saturday, offering consultations, screenings and on-the-spot CMHIS card generation.
District Programme Officer-CD 2, Dr. H. Mlato Shikhu, highlighted India’s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. He explained that free TB screening services, including digital chest X-ray, CBNAAT testing and sputum AFB examination, were available under the National TB Elimination Programme. Medicines were supplied free of cost, while nutritional support was being provided to economically weaker patients through food baskets supported by NGOs and volunteers. He also noted that free screening and treatment for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS were available at government facilities.
District Programme Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr. Lhishelo Tsuhah, expressed concern over the low turnout at the camp, with only 21 people screened despite comprehensive services being offered. He urged citizens, especially those above 30 years, to undergo regular screening for hypertension, diabetes and lifestyle-related illnesses, stressing that many NCDs develop silently. He also encouraged the generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs to improve access to healthcare services.
District Programme Coordinator for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and CMHIS, Akumjungshi, informed that the department was continuing its 100-day student coverage campaign across three districts to increase awareness and enrolment. He appreciated the inclusion of CMHIS registration and card generation in the camp, noting that 12 beneficiary cards were generated and 19 registrations completed during the programme. He explained eligibility and documentation requirements for different categories, including government employees, pensioners and general applicants, ensuring that beneficiaries could access services without delay.
The camp offered a wide range of services, including TB, HIV, hepatitis and NCD screenings, vector-borne disease services, CMHIS registration, counselling and distribution of IEC materials. Organisers expressed gratitude to the CMO office Chumoukedima and healthcare workers for their cooperation.
Health officials concluded by appealing to citizens not to wait until illness became severe before seeking medical attention. They urged the public to take advantage of free screening, treatment and insurance services, stressing that preventive healthcare and early diagnosis remain the most effective means of reducing disease burden and improving public health.