Thoubal DAPCU - Special Camp for PLHIV in Coordination with NRHM

The DAPCU and NRHM team of Thoubal District, Manipur have a continuum of convergence. It is an on-going process of coordination and co-operation in delivery of health services. CMO, DACO and DPM at Serou Medical Camp organised by DMMU (Mobile Medical Unit) in February 2012 and discussed the feasibility of organising a health camp for PLHIVs in Thoubal District. DAPCU has participated routinely in the mobile medical unit health camps on NRHM and a special camp for PLHIV was seen as an opportunity where health concerns of PLHIV could be addressed by the team and also PLHIV could come together and discuss their concerns.

As an offshoot of this discussion, NRHM Thoubal in consultation with DAPCU organised a Mega Health Camp at Wangbal Community Hall, Thoubal District on the 15th of March 2012 using all the resources of DMMU (District Mobile Medical Unit) of NRHM, Thoubal. The Mega Health Camp consisted of 2 sessions. First session consisted of Health Check Up followed by an interactive session to discuss the challenges faced and opportunities available for PLHIV.

During the health check-up 178 PLHIV met with the doctors and of these 70% were women.  In the interactive session a panel of officials from various departments introduced the group to the services available. The interactive session was a lively session where the PLHIVs (around 300 in number inclusive of the patients treated) queried the resource persons for every type of information. While The CDPO and Social Welfare discussed the welfare schemes, The Health Program Officers discussed the health issues and medical facilities which are available free of cost in the district. The whole interactive session was facilitated by the DPM, and as per the query the appropriate resource person is given the opportunity to reply. Currently, PLHIV access MNREGS, AAY benefits and through this camp other facilities such as double nutrition were also brought to light. Close to 300 PLHIV participated in the camp.

Camps such as these at fixed intervals can provide a good opportunity for PLHIV to interact with the district administration officials and the health system.


Thoubal DAPCU can be contacted at dapcu.thoubal@gmail.com