Health official examines a patient during the one-day Health Mela held at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Niuland on April 28.
Niuland, April 29 (MExN): A one-day Health Mela held at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Niuland on April 28 registered a total of 280 OPD cases, drawing a large turnout from the surrounding areas.
The mela was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dimapur, under the XV Finance Commission in collaboration with the Niuland Town Council, with the aim of providing specialist healthcare services at the grassroots level and promoting early detection of lifestyle diseases.
A short inaugural programme preceded the mela, chaired by Dr Rosemary, Medical Officer in-charge of CHC Niuland. Addressing the gathering, Chief Medical Officer Dr T Yetovi Tuccu emphasised the importance of promotive and preventive healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
He said preventive measures are more cost-effective and less time-consuming, urging people to undergo regular medical check-ups to avoid major illnesses. Highlighting the growing burden of lifestyle diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension, he advised the public to adopt balanced diets, regular exercise and avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
Dr Tuccu also informed attendees about the ongoing HPV vaccination programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer among girls aged 14 years, and stressed the benefits of the vaccine.
Niuland Town Committee Chairman V Samuel Holo said the district’s slogan, “Clean Niuland, Green Niuland,” reflects its commitment to environmental well-being and public health. He appreciated the Health Department for organising the mela and bringing specialist services closer to the community, while appealing for continued participation from neighbouring villages in such initiatives.
Dr Imna Meren Phom, gynaecologist, cautioned against self-medication, particularly in cases related to abortion, noting that several cases of severe complications had recently been reported. He urged women to seek proper medical consultation and adopt family planning methods, recommending a minimum gap of three years between childbirths for better maternal health. He also advised against early marriage, especially below the age of 20, citing risks to both mother and child.
Specialist services at the mela were provided by a team of doctors, including neurologist Dr Manwen Konyak, dermatologist Dr Yimlongchaba, gynaecologist Dr Imna Meren Phom, paediatrician Dr Seyiekhrietuo Rutsa, ENT specialist Dr Kanato, and AYUSH practitioner Dr Alemsenla.
Out of the total OPD cases, 120 individuals were screened for non-communicable diseases, with 60 cases of high blood pressure detected. The camp also recorded two new antenatal care (ANC) registrations.
Department-wise, 48 patients were examined under neurology, 43 in dermatology, 56 ENT cases, 23 paediatric cases, 22 under general medicine, 37 gynaecology cases, and 51 patients were attended by the ophthalmology department.
The Health Mela aimed to enhance access to specialist care in rural areas while promoting awareness on early diagnosis and prevention. Patients expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting the convenience of accessing multiple specialist services at CHC Niuland in a single day.
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