DODA FEBRUARY 10: On the directions of the Director General of Police, Prisons J&K, Deepak Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh and under the able guidance of the Chief Medical Officer Doda, Dr Tanveer A Rather, a mega health screening camp for HIV and Hepatitis B&C was organised for jail inmates at District Jail Bhaderwah.
The camp was organised by the District Surveillance Unit (IDSP), Doda in collaboration with District Jail Bhaderwah, with active support from Government Medical College Doda and Sub-District Hospital Bhaderwah.
The programme was graced by Superintendent District Jail Bhaderwah, Hamid Ullah Naik, Block Medical Officer Bhaderwah, Dr. Versha Sharma along with officials from the CMO Office and BMO Office Bhaderwah.
A dedicated medical team from GMC Doda and SDH Bhaderwah conducted screening for Hepatitis B & C, along with general health check-ups. In addition, NCD screening, TB screening and eye screening were carried out for more than 100 inmates lodged at District Jail Bhaderwah.
The primary objective of the camp was to ensure early detection of communicable and non-communicable diseases among inmates, facilitate timely referral and treatment and promote preventive healthcare practices within the prison premises, thereby strengthening inmate health and well being.
Speaking on the occasion, the Superintendent District Jail Bhaderwah, Hamid Ullah Naik expressed his gratitude to the higher authorities including DG Prisons J&K, District Administration Doda and the Health Department for organising such an important and much-needed health initiative. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and emphasized the significance of regular health screening camps in safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of inmates.
Later, an awareness session was also conducted for the inmates, focusing on personal hygiene, mental health, disease prevention, overall well-being and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle even within custodial settings.
The health team comprised Dr. Nasir Masood Indrabi, Dr. Sandeep Chander, Dr. Saima Khateeb, Tariq Hussain (Pharmacist), Sanjay Kumar (Senior Ophthalmic Technician), Ruby Banoo (FMPHW), besides other supporting staff from GMC Doda including Puneet Shan and Saima.
The initiative was widely appreciated for strengthening healthcare services and promoting health awareness among the prison population.
The programme was successfully coordinated by Mr. Umar Anayat (Epidemiologist), Mr. Mashhood Latif, Mohd Salim Banday and Mr. Faizan A. Tramboo from the Health Department, Doda, whose efforts ensured the smooth and effective conduct of the camp.