Cancer screening is important for early detection of cancer. Early detection ensures effective treatment as cancer treatment gets complicated when detected in advanced stages. Jivika has joined hands with The Government of Jharkhand and CreditAccess India Foundation to provide cancer screening facility of the most common cancers (oral, breast and cervical cancer) in the hard-to-reach areas of Gola block of Ramgarh district in Jharkhand through Swasthya Sawari.
On 24th of July, 2023 Swasthya Swarai medical camp was organized in Awradih hamlet of Ramharu village. During the camp a 30 years old woman, named Rita Devi (changed name) visited the camp with a complaint of irregular menstrual cycle. Her family consists of her husband, one child and her father-in-law. Her family depends on agriculture for livelihood. She underwent cervical cancer screening at the medical camp and was found to be suspected of cervical cancer. The Medical Officer counselled her and referred her to the District Hospital for further investigation and treatment.
She visited the District Hospital, Ramgarh with the help of Swasthya Sawari on 23rd of September, 2023. She had earlier visited District Hospital on 20th of September, 2023, but could not undergo diagnosis due to unavailability of Doctor. Later, when she visited on 23rd, Doctor suggested her TSH and hemoglobin tests. After the test report she was prescribed some medicines by the Doctor. No further tests were suggested by the Doctor.
In rural areas women are often reluctant to seek healthcare services due to social and economic barriers. Encouraging them to undergo health screening and tests is helping to inculcate health-seeking behavior among rural women.
Note: Name of the beneficiary has been changed for privacy concerns.