Mapusa: A Hepatitis B and C detection and screening camp was organised by the Lions Club of Tivim in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bicholim Branch, for sanitation and waste management workers of the Mapusa Municipal Council.
The camp was conducted by the Hepatitis Cell of the Directorate of Health Services under the guidance of State Programme Officer Dr. Medha Salkar and IMA Bicholim President Dr. Shekhar Salkar.
A total of 68 staff members of the Mapusa Municipal Council were screened during the camp, which focused on sanitation and waste management workers who are at higher risk due to occupational exposure to biomedical waste and contaminated materials.
The camp was inaugurated by Mapusa Municipal Chairperson Priya Mishal in the presence of Vice Chairperson Prakash Bhivshet, Lions Club of Tivim President Adv. Dipak Tilve, and other dignitaries, including Harish Nasnodkar, Vilas Parab, Prashant Chanekar, Jyotsna Tilve, and Padmaja Divkar.
Mishal appreciated the organisers for conducting the camp for the benefit of municipal staff, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar emphasised the importance of early detection, stating that Hepatitis C can be completely cured if diagnosed at an early stage, thereby preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Adv. Dipak Tilve said the Lions Club of Tivim remains committed to undertaking health-related initiatives for the larger benefit of society.
Medical Officer Dr. Mrudul Naik, Hepatitis Programme Coordinator Shekhar Arolkar, and laboratory technicians Priyanka Raikar, Neha Gudanwar, and Richa Chopdekar from the Health Services Department were present on the occasion.
The organisers said that any staff found positive during screening would be provided free treatment and vaccination, if required. The initiative aims to protect workers’ health and prevent disease transmission within the community.
