75 Govt Employees screened at TB and NCD Health camp in Kharu

LEH: Seventy-five government employees underwent screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during a health camp organised at the Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Kharu, on Thursday as part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s efforts to strengthen early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and lifestyle-related illnesses.

The NTEP and NCD Screening Camp was organised by the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Leh, in collaboration with the Health Department, Leh Block, under the supervision of AAM-PHC Sakti. The initiative targeted government officers and officials serving in Kharu Block by bringing preventive healthcare services to their workplace.

Before the screening commenced, Dr. Jigmet Wangchuk, Medical Officer at AAM-PHC Sakti, conducted an awareness session on tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and obesity. The programme was attended by Mohd Shabeer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kharu, the Block Development Officer, Tehsildar, Station House Officer of Police Post Kharu, and officials from various government departments.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Wangchuk observed that government employees often remain occupied with official responsibilities and tend to overlook routine health check-ups. He stressed the importance of regular screening for early diagnosis and timely treatment of tuberculosis and lifestyle-related diseases, adding that organising screening camps at government offices improves access to preventive healthcare services.

Speaking on the occasion, SDM Mohd Shabeer urged government employees to make regular health screening a priority, stating that maintaining a healthy workforce is essential for efficient public service delivery.

According to the Health Department, 75 officials underwent screening for non-communicable diseases, while 60 employees were screened for tuberculosis symptoms during the camp.

The programme also included AI-enabled digital chest X-ray screening for 65 individuals to facilitate the early detection of tuberculosis and other chest-related abnormalities. Additionally, eight sputum samples were collected from presumptive tuberculosis cases and sent for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) for rapid molecular diagnosis. Health officials said the camp concluded with active participation from government departments across Kharu Block, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare and early disease detection. The department also acknowledged the support extended by the SDM Kharu, heads of departments and participating officials in organising the programme.