Free health camp for Lerie residents under ward adoption activity

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 27

The residents of Lerie, Kohima availed healthcare services during a free medical health camp held under the initiative of MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso as part of the ward adoption activity on June 27.

This health camp was conducted in collaboration with Ward Adoption Committee (WAC) of the DPDB Kohima under Local Area Development Programme (LADP). The health camp offered free medical consultations, minor operations, diagnostic services, ultrasound services, ENT examinations, dental check-ups etc.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ato, who represents 9th Kohima Town A/C said that he along with dedicated medical team had conducted numerous health camps in 25 locations across the state under the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre (CMMOT) initiative. More than 1000 operations had done including surgeries and dental services, he informed. 

Similar medical camp will also cover Lerie Chazou, New Minister’s Hill and New Reserve Colony in the coming days, Dr Ato added. 

Earlier, he had extended medical services to the residents of Chandmari and PWD, Kohima.

Village/Ward Adoption Committee
Addressing the gathering, Dr Riku Khutso, EAC (Sadar) Kohima and Convener of WAC, said that the Village/Ward Adoption Committee is an initiative of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Kohima under LADP.

In this novel initiative, series of the developmental and welfare activities are undertaken in selected villages/wards every year in all six assembly constituencies within Kohima district under the supervision of the respective elected representatives and officers from various departments.

For 9th Kohima Town A/C, the WAC has adopted Ward 16 this year, the biggest ward under Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), which comprises Lerie, Lerie Chazou, New Minister’s Hill and New Reserve Colony.

Stating that this health camp is above politics and above any agenda, Dr Khutso maintained that making health service accessible to the doorstep of the ward was more important than other developmental activities.

‘Golden opportunity for well being of Lerie’
The Ward-16 councillor Aneü Khaming thanked Dr Ato and WAC for adopting Ward-16 and described the medical camp as a golden opportunity for well being of the residents.

During the medical camp, the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) Nagaland branch also extended cervical cancer screening.

FPAI Nagaland branch General Manager Vincent Belho said that cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, noting that a woman dies from the disease every 90 seconds worldwide. He said cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44 in India, with low awareness, inadequate screening, social stigma, and poverty contributing to the high burden of the disease. He emphasised that early detection through regular screening and timely treatment can save lives.

Belho also highlighted the importance of HIV prevention through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection for people at substantial risk when taken under medical supervision.

He encouraged the individuals to visit FPAI Centre at Daklane to access services including cervical cancer screening, HIV testing, PrEP counselling, family planning, and other reproductive health services.

The District TB Centre Kohima led by Dr Chibenthung Kithan, District TB Officer also joined the camp as part of the ongoing 100 days campaign for TB elimination. The team has brought AI Handheld x-ray for screening of all vulnerable population.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kevilezo, Chairman, Lerie Council while Neizekhonuo Tethlem, president Women Organization prayed for the camp. Vote of thanks was proposed by K Wati Tzudir, Vice Chairman Lerie Council.