Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110550980300.htm

Tamil Nadu

900 people screened at medical camp near Chengam

Staff Reporter

— Photo : D. Gopalakrishnan

HEALTH CARE: Patients being screened at a special medical camp at Pudur in Tiruvannamalai district.

CHENGAM : A total of 900 people from eight villages in Pakkripalayam panchayat near Chengam were screened for various ailments at a special medical camp conducted under the ‘Varumum Kapoom Thittam’ here on Tuesday.

The camp, which was inaugurated by Chengam MLA M. Polur Varadan, was headed by Melpallipattu Block Medical Officer R. Ganesan. A special medical team comprising 25 doctors and paramedical staff attached to various Primary Health Centres in Tiruvannamalai district screened the patients for cataract, high blood pressure and tuberculosis. Even ECG and scanning facilities were available at the camp.

Patients who needed further attention were referred to Government Hospitals at Tiruvannamalai and Chennai. The camp was conducted in the presence Chengam Panchayat Union Chairman G. Kumar. Tiruvannamalai District Deputy Director (Health) S. Bhavani Umadevi explained about the scheme to the participants.

Later, Ms. Umadevi told The Hindu that the first medical camp was held in the district on December 31, 2006.

So far, a total of 2.22 lakh people had been screened at various medical camps held in the district.

A total of 235 medical camps had so far been held in the district, Ms. Umadevi said, adding that seven more camps would be held in the district. The total number of camps planned for the district under the ‘Varumum Kapoom Thittam’ was 242, she said.

Out of 2.22 lakh people screened so far, 8,700 were referred for further treatment. Cataract operation had been performed on 2,691 persons out of those referred for treatment. A total of 1,950 people had been diagnosed and treated for diabetes. Seventy-five persons, who suffered from cancer cervix, were also treated. Further, arrangements had been made so that birth certificates need not be sought from the village administrative officer, revenue inspector and tahsildar.

Under the new scheme proposed by the State government, the certificates could be received at the respective primary health and sub centres where the delivery had taken place.