Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: AIIMS Jammu organises two multidisciplinary health camps
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Every year January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
In a bid to promote women’s health and raise awareness about cervical cancer, multiple community outreach activities were conducted to commemorate this initiative.
Aligning with the national mission of Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat, AIIMS Jammu organized two multidisciplinary health camps at CHC Ramgarh and PHC Sumb and all the eligible females were offered free cervical cancer screening (PAP Smear).
The health camps were organized by AIIMS Jammu in coordination with the Department of Health, Jammu and Kashmir, and the local health authorities with the aim to bridge the gap in healthcare access and offer vital services to women who may otherwise not have the opportunity for regular check-ups.
The collaborative effort involved in organizing these camps highlights the collective commitment to women’s health and underscores the importance of community-based initiatives in combating cervical cancer.
Through education, outreach, and accessible healthcare services, these camps not only raise awareness but also empower women to take charge of their health and well-being.
The camps were multidisciplinary, involving the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Community Medicine, Department of General Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Dermatology, and Department of Orthopedics from AIIMS Jammu.
Key activities included gynecological check-ups along with cervical cancer screening of women by PAP Smear, eye check-ups, and treatment of common medical, dermatological, surgical, and orthopedic problems. Distribution of free medicines was also done.
One of the primary objectives of these camps is to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer while emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Many women in rural areas lack awareness about the disease and may hesitate to seek medical help due to social stigmas or financial constraints. By providing information and services directly in their communities, these camps aim to break down barriers to healthcare access and encourage proactive healthcare-seeking behaviors among women. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary approach ensures that women receive holistic care catered to their individual needs.
To further contribute to this national mission, two awareness sessions for school-going children were held.
One was conducted at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Nagrota and the other session at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Canal Road, Jammu. The students of classes 9th to 12th were educated about cervical cancer preventive measures with an emphasis on HPV Vaccination. This was an effort by AIIMS, Jammu team to reverberates within communities, leaving a lasting legacy of awareness, empowerment, and hope for a future free from the burden of cervical cancer by spreading awareness regarding its preventive and screening measures. Let’s educate, vaccinate and screen to make India – Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat.
