A Health Camp under the Ayushman Arogya Shivir was organised at Nongbareh Lyntiar Village under Amlarem Sub-Division, with the objective of bringing multiple health-related services and awareness programmes closer to the community.
The programme brought together various health and allied departments and teams to provide integrated services and health awareness to the residents. The camp included services and activities relating to maternal health, newborn and child health, adolescent health, non-communicable diseases, cancer screening, tuberculosis services and blood donation awareness, along with health education, counselling and referral services. MHIS-PMJAY registration and Aadhaar linking were also facilitated during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arwin Khonglah, Sub-Divisional Medical & Health Officer, Amlarem Sub-Division and Block Programme Manager, National Health Mission, Amlarem Block, highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and adopting a healthy lifestyle. He stressed that maintaining good health begins with basic preventive measures, including cleanliness, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, exercise and responsible health practices. He also urged the community to actively participate in the various services available through the health camp.
The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) team also sensitised the gathering on early screening and treatment for children from birth to 18 years, with emphasis on the four key areas of Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Developmental Delays including Disabilities.
Awareness was also provided on HIV prevention and the Link Worker Scheme by Banisha Lamar from the National AIDS Control Society. The session highlighted the importance of HIV screening, early treatment and prevention, while also stressing the need to prevent stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV.
Kyntiewlang Syngkon from the Meghalaya Mission Cancer Prevention & Early Detection team spoke on cancer awareness, early detection and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when warning signs or symptoms are noticed. The session also emphasised preventive measures, including reducing the consumption of tobacco, betel nut and other harmful substances.
Cressida Shylla, Child Development Project Officer, Amlarem Sub-Division, sensitised the community on the importance of the first 1,000 days, covering the period from pregnancy until the child reaches two years of age. She highlighted the importance of maternal care, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and appropriate nutrition and care for healthy child development.
The programme was attended by representatives and personnel from the Health Department, State Cancer Society, Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Aadhaar team, Padu State Dispensary, Village Health Committee (VHC), ICDS and other participating teams and departments. The active participation of the community and various stakeholders contributed to the successful conduct of the health camp.
The Health Camp served as an important platform for delivering health services, promoting preventive healthcare and creating greater awareness among the community, while strengthening coordination among different departments and health programmes for a healthier and stronger community.
