THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Pakur, Jan 5: Eight women were diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer out of 3,518 patients screened during a Mega Women’s Health Camp and Drishti Suraksha Abhiyan held in Pakur on Saturday. The event was organized by the IMA Women Doctors’ Wing in collaboration with the National Health Mission Jharkhand and the District Administration.
Dr. Bharti Kashyap, leading the health campaign, reported that out of 289 women examined, 14 were found to have cervical erosion, and 7 showed pre-cancer symptoms.
In addition, the camp recorded 451 cases of eye-related diseases, including 175 cataract patients, 10 cases of corneal blindness, and 4 children with underdeveloped eyes since birth. There were also 25 patients diagnosed with nail lesions, Dr. Kashyap stated.
Dr. Kashyap attributed the high incidence of cervical cancer in Pakur to factors such as poor immunity, multiple pregnancies, frequent childbirths, and early marriages. She has previously organized similar camps in Naxal-affected areas of Santhal Pargana and Kolhan.
Veteran JMM MLA from Maheshpur, Stephen Marandi, served as the chief guest at the event, which was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar, and other dignitaries, including Dr. Bharti Kashyap, District Board President Julie Khistmani Hembram, Deputy Development Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Santhalia, and Civil Surgeon Dr. Mantu Kumar Tekriwal.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The health campaign, known as the Health Hul Mela, is part of a broader initiative targeting remote and underserved areas, including Particular Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). In 2024, similar camps were held in Naxal-affected regions such as Gua (July 1), Goilkera (July 15), Tonto (December 21), and Sahibganj (January 5).
The camp offered screenings for a range of diseases, including cervical cancer, eye disorders, malaria, filariasis, HIV, syphilis, kala-azar, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, and prenatal and haemoglobin issues. Free medicines were also distributed.
Community Impact
Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar highlighted the success of the event, attended by 3,518 people. He praised the district’s performance in health campaigns such as the Pulse Polio drive and the National Child Health Program, under which 30,000 children were examined. Recently, disability camps held on December 17–19 across community health centres screened 662 people, and disability certificates are now being issued.
Stalls promoting the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme were also set up during the event. The Deputy Commissioner assured attendees that efforts are underway to address the shortage of doctors in the district. He emphasized the importance of awareness in preventing fatal diseases like cervical cancer, adding that most illnesses can be avoided through education and timely intervention.
Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar urged the public to prioritize their health, exercise regularly, and undergo routine health checkups. “Health is wealth,” he said.
Recognitions and Remarks
Prof. Stephen Marandi praised the efforts of the District Administration and Dr. Bharti Kashyap in organizing the event, describing it as a significant step forward for Pakur. “Previously, people from this district had to travel to Bengal for treatment. Now, many diseases are being treated at Sadar Hospital Pakur itself. This camp has provided free treatment to many people and has brought significant health improvements to the district,” he noted.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Mantu Kumar Tekriwal highlighted the prevalence of cervical inflammation in villages, stressing the need for greater awareness about cataracts and other forms of blindness, especially in young children.
Dr. Bharti Kashyap, who has been honoured with the Nari Shakti Samman by the President, spoke about the challenges faced by the local population. “There are 12,600 PVTG families here, many of whom lack access to basic health facilities. Children losing their vision or suffering from preventable conditions are our priority. These camps aim to reach out to such underserved communities,” she said.
Dr. Kashyap also noted that similar health camps have been held in Deoghar, Jamtara, Dumka, Barhet, Rajmahal, and Sahibganj in the Santhal Pargana region. “Through the Jharkhand model, we have screened and treated around 4,70,000 women of reproductive age who showed symptoms of genital inflammation or were in high-risk categories,” she added.
