Mayabunder, November 4: Ten people have been advised to undergo further tuberculosis (TB) testing after a screening camp at the Forest Department in Mayabunder detected abnormalities in their chest X-rays, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and workplace-based health screening in the fight against the disease.
The Ayushman Arogya Shivir was organised by the District TB Centre, Dr. R.P. Hospital, Mayabunder, North and Middle Andaman, as part of efforts to strengthen awareness and early detection of tuberculosis among employees.
The initiative was conducted in pursuance of directions issued by the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the launch of the TB-Free Workplace Initiative on October 28. The programme aimed to encourage employees to recognise TB symptoms, seek timely medical attention and make use of the free diagnostic and treatment facilities available through the public healthcare system.
The camp was held in the presence of A.C. Tilak, Divisional Forest Officer, Mayabunder. Medical Officer Dr. Rekha Dhali and Y. Madhava Rao, District Programme Coordinator under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), addressed the participants and explained the importance of identifying the disease at an early stage.
The medical team sensitised employees about common symptoms associated with tuberculosis and emphasised that delays in diagnosis can affect treatment outcomes while increasing the risk of transmission.
A total of 65 people participated in the programme. Of these, 48 individuals identified as vulnerable were screened using a handheld X-ray machine, allowing preliminary chest examinations to be conducted at the workplace.
The screening identified abnormal findings in 10 individuals. They were subsequently advised to undergo sputum examination for further investigation and confirmation. An abnormal chest X-ray does not, by itself, establish a TB diagnosis, making additional testing necessary.
The use of a handheld X-ray machine enabled the screening team to reach participants at their workplace, reducing the need for them to travel separately for an initial examination.
The initiative also sought to address awareness gaps surrounding tuberculosis, particularly the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms persist. Under the public health programme, diagnosis and treatment services for TB are available free of cost through designated government health facilities.
Workplace-based screening is an important component of efforts to identify suspected cases early and connect individuals with appropriate medical care. It also provides an opportunity to educate employees about preventive measures and reduce the stigma that can sometimes discourage people from seeking testing.
The Mayabunder camp forms part of the wider TB-Free Workplace Initiative, which seeks to extend awareness and screening beyond hospitals and healthcare centres to workplaces and other community settings.
The programme’s immediate findings have also underlined the need for follow-up testing, ensuring that individuals with suspected abnormalities receive further medical evaluation rather than being left without a clear diagnosis.
