A tuberculosis screening and outreach camp conducted at the Community Hall in Netaji Nagar, Hut Bay, marked another step in the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan being implemented across the Islands. The initiative, organised by the District Administration South Andaman through the District Health Society and in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services, aimed to expand early detection, improve access to testing facilities and strengthen community participation in the national drive against tuberculosis.
The camp recorded active participation from residents of Netaji Nagar and adjoining areas, who turned up for screening, counselling and diagnostic procedures. Health officials deployed mobile digital X-ray services at the venue, a move that significantly reduced the dependency on external facilities and enabled immediate chest X-ray examinations. This on-the-spot testing allowed symptomatic individuals to undergo quick assessment for potential signs of tuberculosis, with medical staff available to interpret X-ray findings and guide participants through follow-up steps.
Sputum sample collection was also carried out for individuals showing symptoms or requiring confirmatory testing. By combining X-rays and sputum diagnostics in a single location, the outreach camp created a streamlined process for identifying presumptive TB cases. Health workers engaged with participants to explain the importance of early detection, noting that delays in diagnosis increase the risk of complications and transmission within households and communities.
An ambulance arranged by the Primary Health Centre/AAM Hut Bay ensured that elderly citizens and individuals with mobility challenges could reach the venue without difficulty. This support mechanism reflected the administration’s effort to make the camp accessible to all, especially those who may otherwise avoid screening due to transportation-related constraints.
Officials noted that the Hut Bay camp is part of a longer series of targeted activities planned across the region. Similar outreach programmes have been scheduled for November 25 at the Health and Wellness Centre in Ongi Tikrey, followed by another camp on November 26 at the Community Hall in R.K. Pur. The multi-day initiative aims to broaden coverage and ensure that residents across multiple settlements, including those in remote pockets, have opportunities to undergo screening. Such camps are also expected to extend deeper into tribal and hard-to-reach regions of the Islands as part of the administration’s commitment to making TB services universally accessible.
The awareness component of the outreach activities emphasised that tuberculosis remains curable when diagnosed early and treated consistently under the government’s guidelines. Health workers urged the public to watch for symptoms such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fever and fatigue, and to seek screening if any of these signs are present. Participants were informed that treatment services are available free of cost and that the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan prioritises patient support, adherence monitoring and follow-up care.
During the interactions, officials reiterated that community cooperation plays a critical role in the elimination of tuberculosis. By encouraging individuals to support neighbours, family members and vulnerable residents in accessing screening services, the programme seeks to identify cases early and reduce transmission risks. The outreach camps are intended not only as diagnostic platforms but also as communication points to deepen public understanding of TB control measures.
The District Health Society highlighted that the integration of digital X-ray technology into community-level camps has significantly improved diagnostic efficiency. Earlier, patients often had to travel long distances or rely on multiple visits to obtain complete testing. The mobile setup now allows faster detection and quicker initiation of the diagnostic pathway.
With the current outreach cycle underway, authorities expect increasing community turnout over the next two days as the camps move to additional locations. The administration has appealed to residents across the region to participate actively and support the broader objective of a TB-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As the national campaign continues, officials plan to expand the network of screening drives, awareness sessions and support systems to ensure that no individual or community is left behind in the fight against tuberculosis.
