ANF holds free health camp for tribals in Naxalite-hit areas in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts

Udupi: In a push to improve healthcare access in Naxalite-affected regions, the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) organised a free health check-up camp for tribal communities from Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts at JCU training school in Kukkundur near Karkala Sunday.Led by ANF SP Hariram Shankar, the camp drew a positive public response. It was inaugurated by Amarashri Amarnath Shetty, president, K Amarnath Shetty Charitable Trust, and associate dean, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, along with a team of medical professionals.The SP said the initiative aimed to take healthcare services to the doorsteps of tribals in remote Naxal-affected areas and raise awareness about preventive healthcare.The camp was held with the support of Prasad Nethralaya, Udupi; KMC Hospital, Manipal; K Amarnath Shetty Charitable Trust, Moodubidire; AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences; AJ Cancer Institute; and Indian Cancer Society. Around 60 medical experts provided services across multiple specialities.A total of 136 persons from Malekudiya, Hasalaru and Gowdlu tribal communities attended the camp. In areas where transportation was difficult, ANF personnel ferried them in official vehicles and dropped them back after the examinations.Screenings were held for cancer, ENT, dental issues, blood pressure, diabetes, women's health and skin-related conditions. Vision screening covered 105 persons, of whom 60 received free spectacles. Fifteen patients requiring surgery will undergo free treatment at Prasad Nethralaya in Udupi.Dental examinations were conducted for 65 persons, with 18 referred to AB Shetty Dental College and Bailoor Dental College for further treatment. A total of 105 women were screened for breast and cervical cancer. One woman was identified as a suspected breast cancer case and referred to AJ Cancer Institute, while samples from 28 women were collected for testing; further action will follow based on the reports.ANF provided food and refreshments for participants and medical teams during the camp.