By | Dr Ashfaq Lone
Tangdar: A comprehensive Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Awareness and Screening Program was successfully held at Government Degree College (GDC) Tangdar through a joint initiative of the Health Department, under the supervision of Dr. Arif Khawaja, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Tangdar Karnah, and the college administration. This collaborative event aimed to raise awareness about lifestyle-related diseases and emphasized the importance of early detection, especially among the youth of border and remote areas like Karnah.
The event began with a welcome address by Professor Sadaf Rouf, who highlighted the importance of academic institutions in promoting health literacy and praised the Health Department’s efforts in extending medical outreach to underserved regions. This was followed by a speech from Professor Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Principal of GDC Tangdar, who underlined the growing burden of non-communicable diseases among young people. He emphasized the crucial role of educational platforms in spreading preventive health knowledge and appreciated the Health Department for organizing such a meaningful initiative. He also reaffirmed the college’s commitment to supporting future public health campaigns.
Mr. Shafeeq Khan, Dice Incharge, coordinated the day’s events and ensured enthusiastic participation from students of various schools across the Karnah subdivision. The program included multiple student-led activities such as a health awareness quiz, slogan writing, painting and chart-making, and the presentation of reels and short films focusing on NCD awareness. Dr. Farah, Medical Officer, delivered a focused lecture on the rising incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and cancers, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications.
Alongside these activities, the Health Department conducted free health screening camps on the college campus. Participants were screened for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, as well as breast, cervical, and oral cancers. Medical staff ensured proper documentation and provided follow-up guidance to those needing further care. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and appreciation notes to students who excelled in the competitions.
Dr. Arif Khawaja, BMO Tangdar, expressed his gratitude to Professor Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, the faculty, and the students of GDC Tangdar for their active cooperation and hospitality. He also thanked Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Tangdar, Shah Mohammad, for supporting the mobilization of school students and strengthening the partnership between the education and health departments.
