Sri Vijaya Puram, June 1: Efforts to strengthen tuberculosis awareness and preventive healthcare among working professionals received a boost this week as the District TB Centre, South Andaman, organised an Ayushman Arogya Shivir for employees of the Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships at Deep Bhavan in Phoenix Bay.
The programme was conducted as part of the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’s 100-day campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating efforts towards tuberculosis elimination while promoting preventive healthcare practices among different sections of society.
The camp combined health awareness activities with medical screening services, enabling employees to access consultations and examinations aimed at identifying diseases at an early stage. Medical professionals highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment in preventing complications associated with both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
A key feature of the programme was an awareness session conducted by Dr. Shiv Shankar Singh, a specialist in general medicine and diabetology. The session focused on the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle practices, recognising early symptoms of illness and seeking timely medical intervention.
The discussion covered a range of health concerns, including tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions that are increasingly affecting working-age populations. Participants were informed about risk factors, preventive measures and the role of regular health check-ups in reducing disease burden.
Health officials noted that tuberculosis continues to remain a public health challenge despite significant progress made in diagnosis and treatment services. Awareness programmes conducted at workplaces are considered an important strategy for encouraging early reporting of symptoms and reducing stigma associated with the disease.
In addition to educational activities, the camp offered screening services for employees. Non-communicable disease screening and X-ray examinations were conducted to facilitate early detection of health conditions. Such screenings are often regarded as critical tools in identifying diseases before they progress to more severe stages.
The initiative also aimed to encourage health-seeking behaviour among employees who may otherwise postpone routine medical examinations due to work commitments. Health experts have repeatedly stressed that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes for both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases.
Employees actively participated in the programme and availed themselves of the medical services provided during the camp. Many also interacted with healthcare professionals to seek guidance on personal health concerns and preventive healthcare measures.
Officials said workplace-based health interventions play a crucial role in improving public health outcomes by reaching large sections of the population in a structured setting. Such programmes help increase awareness while making health services more accessible.
The camp forms part of broader efforts being undertaken across the Islands to support the national objective of eliminating tuberculosis and improving community health indicators. Alongside medical treatment, awareness generation and early screening are regarded as essential components of disease control strategies.
Health authorities have continued to emphasise that community participation and timely healthcare access remain vital in achieving the goals of the TB Mukt Bharat campaign. Programmes such as the Ayushman Arogya Shivir are expected to contribute towards greater awareness, improved diagnosis rates and healthier workplaces.
