In a major initiative to strengthen community-based healthcare and promote convergence among National Health Programmes, an Intensified Integrated Health Camp Initiative was launched today by Dr. Sadbhavna Pandit, Officiating Mission Director (NHM)-cum-Director Health & Family Welfare, UT Chandigarh, at Shri Shiv Thakur Dawara Mandir, Manimajra.
The initiative aims to provide comprehensive screening and early detection services for vulnerable and high-risk populations by bringing multiple health programmes under a single platform. Individuals are being screened for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, Hypertension and Diabetes, ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment and referral services.
As part of the launch, 10 tuberculosis patients were adopted by doctors of the Health Department, Chandigarh Administration under the Nikshay Mitra Initiative, and nutritious food baskets were distributed to support their treatment and recovery. The programme is being implemented through a joint collaborative framework involving the National AIDS & STD Control Programme (NACP), National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), in line with the Government of India’s focus on integrated healthcare delivery.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sadbhavna Pandit said that diseases such as Tuberculosis, HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Hypertension and Diabetes often coexist among vulnerable populations, making integrated screening and early intervention essential. She stated that the initiative enables beneficiaries to access multiple health services under one roof and facilitates linkage with appropriate diagnostic and treatment centres.
Joint ICTC and NTEP mobile units are conducting screening including chest X-ray, blood tests, BP and sugar checks, BMI assessment, counselling, and risk evaluation. Health teams will continue awareness, screening, counselling, and referrals at identified locations.
Special emphasis is also being placed on creating awareness about the Break Free App, a self-risk assessment and awareness tool for HIV prevention and screening. Community members are being encouraged to use the application for timely risk assessment, testing and counselling services.
All screened individuals are being provided counselling and referred to appropriate healthcare facilities wherever required. The initiative is expected to improve early diagnosis, treatment uptake and continuity of care among high-risk populations.
The Health Department, UT Chandigarh has urged residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to participate in camps and avail free services under this initiative.