Health screening programme for men receives poor response
The PMC health department has screened just a little over 11,000 men in one year, according to data provided by the civic body
In one month, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department has completed a miniscule 1.93% of its ambitious target to screen 12.93 lakh men aged over 18 years and above under the “Nirogi Aarogya Tarunaiche Vaibhav Maharashtrache” (NATVM) programme.
The department has screened just a little over 11,000 men in one year, according to data provided by the civic body.
Under the NATVM state-wide programme, launched on September 12 last year and to continue till the end of 2023, men aged 18 years and above in Pune city are to be screened at PMC-run healthcare facilities. They are referred for surgical or medical management after being diagnosed. The programme aims at early identification and early treatment.
Dr Vaishali Jadhav, PMC assistant health officer, said the public response has been poor and three months are left to achieve the target.
“I have called for a meeting with the health department officials to find the reason behind slow progress. We have decided to start screening tests at colleges to cover a larger population,” she said.
As per PMC data, the city has 12.92 lakh population eligible to be screened under the NATVM programme. Of these, 24,943 men have registered for the programme (till October 17) and 11,049 screened for health ailments.
Dr Bhagwan Pawar, PMC health officer, said the eligible residents should take the campaign as an opportunity to get free screening tests and treatment.
“We will provide free treatment to patients diagnosed during the campaign and refer them for free treatment to specialised doctors and private hospitals if required. We will conduct an awareness programme to boost the campaign,” he said.
