KOCHI: The disease detection camp for migrant workers named ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ organised by National Health Mission and Department of Labour identified prevalence of lifestyle diseases among them. As many as 42 camps have already been conducted in the district in which 2,365 migrant labourers were examined. Apart from lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, typhoid, malaria, hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been detected among the migrant workers. Camps have been organised in institutions and areas where migrant workers are in dominance.
The camp is being organised with the support of Department of Community Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and a three member doctors’ team is providing treatment for those diagnosed with diseases. Medicines are being made available from primary healthcare centres. Hepatitis and typhoid cases have been referred to Ernakulam Government General Hospital for further treatment. Awareness programmes on drug abuse are also being organised as part of the camp. First phase of the programme was conducted from January to March.
