AU holds health awareness camp

From Our Correspondent

Silchar, March 27: The department of Social Work of Assam University in collaboration with NSS cell of the varsity held a day long general health awareness camp today at Gutitilla Upgraded LP School in old Irongmara community near the university. A host of resource persons including the students threw light on the causes and symptoms of different diseases.

H Sekhar th of the department of life science of Assam University said persistent cough, fever, chest pain, and loss of weight were some of the symptoms of tuberculosis. Sputum test is done in Primary Health Centres and government hospitals. He pointed out that patients could be completely cured if they undergo Directly Observed Treatment Short course.

Dr M Gangabhushan, coorditor of NSS unit, Assam University, spoke on the importance of health and hygiene. The speakers also spoke on various issues like women health and pregncy. Speaking on cancer, he said cancer in northeast is becoming dangerous. One out of every eight women and one out of every nine men are now being diagnosed with this dreaded disease. He blamed the consumption of pan masala and gutkha for this. It was his opinion that tobacco was the most single risk for cancer.

It can be mentioned here that the department of Social Work held a free medical health camp in the community last year.

“During the free medical camp, it was found that the people of the locality are not aware of many diseases.  A study was later conducted in the community by the students of the Social Work department which also revealed lack of knowledge among the people about the causes and symptoms of various diseases,” said Anurupa Bhattacharjee, a 4th semester student of Social Work department.

The awareness camp witnessed a large turnout of the residents of the community who also enthusiastically participated in the interaction.