Assam: Indian Red Cross leads major cancer screening drive in tea garden areas of Margherita

A cancer screening and free health check-up camp was organised on Monday, December 8 at the Margherita Tea Estate Hospital under Margherita Co-District, aiming to extend essential healthcare services to tea garden communities. The initiative was led by the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita Sub-District Branch, in collaboration with Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited, Digboi, and supported by the Assam Cancer Care Foundation’s Tinsukia unit and The Hans Foundation.

The programme formally began with the inaugural session conducted by Pabitra Borgohain, Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita Sub-District Branch. In his address, Borgohain highlighted the organisation’s continued efforts in conducting health camps across tea estates in the region and its commitment to humanitarian services.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of Margherita Tea Estate Manager Bhaskar Paul, Assistant Manager Bhanu Pratap Singh Rathod, Sibasish Dey, Dr. Abhijit Borah of Namdang Tea Estate, Dr. Mamta Upadhyay from Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Charles from The Hans Foundation, along with technicians and other medical team members.

The camp offered screening for breast, oral, and cervical cancers, along with diagnostic tests and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, and several other health conditions. Free medicines were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

In a compassionate gesture, the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita Sub-District Branch, distributed blankets, mosquito nets, and tarpaulins to cancer patients attending the camp, further reinforcing its humanitarian outreach.