Public health outreach across rural parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received a boost with the organisation of medical camps in Borong village and Narayan Tikrey, aimed at extending preventive healthcare, early screening and health awareness to communities with limited access to routine medical services.
An outreach health camp was conducted at Borong village on February 18 by a medical team from Dr. R.P. Hospital, Mayabunder, under the supervision of the Medical Officer-in-Charge. The team included specialists, dental professionals and paramedical staff, who provided a range of basic and preventive healthcare services to local residents.
During the Borong camp, villagers underwent general health check-ups, blood pressure measurement, blood sugar testing and basic physical examinations. Dental consultations and on-the-spot treatment were also provided as part of the camp, allowing residents to address common oral health concerns without having to travel to distant facilities.
In addition to clinical services, the medical team conducted awareness sessions on nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, communicable and non-communicable diseases and the importance of regular health check-ups. Special emphasis was placed on preventive practices and lifestyle measures that can reduce long-term health risks in rural settings. A yoga session was also demonstrated for participants across age groups to promote physical and mental well-being.
The Malaria Unit supported the Borong camp by carrying out mosquito control activities in and around the village as part of disease prevention measures. Free medicines were distributed to beneficiaries based on medical advice, while patients requiring further investigations or specialised treatment were referred to higher healthcare facilities for follow-up care.
A similar outreach effort was undertaken at Narayan Tikrey under the Health and Wellness Centre, Kalighat, in coordination with the Sub-District Hospital, Diglipur and the District Health Society, Mayabunder. The camp focused on expanding access to screening and consultations for residents in the Diglipur region.
At the Narayan Tikrey camp, non-communicable disease screening, haemoglobin testing and eye screening were conducted to identify health issues at an early stage. Beneficiaries were offered both Ayurvedic and allopathic consultations, reflecting an integrated approach to primary healthcare delivery. Necessary medicines were dispensed to patients as per medical advice.
An awareness session at the camp addressed leprosy, covering its causes, signs and symptoms, along with information on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. Health officials said such sessions were critical in addressing stigma, promoting early reporting of symptoms and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among rural populations.
The Diglipur outreach programme was carried out under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the Sub-District Hospital, with support from medical officers and healthcare staff from multiple institutions. Officials said coordination between health centres and district-level bodies was key to ensuring effective delivery of services during such camps.
Health authorities noted that outreach camps remain an important component of the public health strategy in the islands, where geographic dispersion and connectivity challenges often limit access to institutional healthcare. By taking services directly to villages, the administration aims to improve early detection of diseases and reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals.
Officials said similar camps would continue to be organised in other remote and semi-remote areas as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and promote preventive health practices across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
