Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 2 (EMN): A free medical camp was organised by the Lower Agri Youth Organisation (LAYO), Kohima in collaboration with the Urban Primary Health Centre, Porterlane, at Lower Agri ward council hall on Saturday, in aid of the forthcoming silver jubilee, scheduled in June this year.
President of LAYO Abel Assumi said the through the free medical check-up, they want to contribute free service to the society and make sure that each colony member is healthy and fit. It was also conducted with a view to spread awareness on the mportance of health.
A total of 86 patients turned up, mostly between the age group of 20-60 years. The oldest member to avail the service was an 85-year-old lady.
Covid vaccination was also given to nine persons. General check-up and hypertension were the most common treatment for the day, he informed.
Some of the services available for the citizens included free consultation, family planning, Covid vaccination, lab test/ NCD screening, free medicines, and free immunisation.
A total of two doctors and eight medical assistants/staff from the UPHC Porterlane conducted the consultations. The medical camp was the second time to be conducted in the colony, he added.
Besides the medical camp, LAYO decided to declare the colony as tobacco-free zone soon. He informed that tobacco products were already restricted in the colony but total prohibition was yet to be declared. The decision was said to be made after several general meetings.
In addition, the youth body also decided to take various other activities like mass social work and painting of walls (for awareness) by artists, as part of the preparation to the upcoming silver jubilee, Assumi informed.
According to the youth body record in 2022, there are 450 youths in the colony most of whom are students and temporary residents.
Speaking further about the background of LAYO, Assumi said that it used to be tagged as one of the worst colonies in Kohima. It was only when the youth body was formed in 1997 did things take a turn for better.
‘Prior to that, the colony was filled with drug addicts, alcoholics, anti- social elements, robbers and to the extent of murderers, etc. Residents could come out after 6 pm for fear of untoward incidents.
‘But today, things have changed. Activities are being conducted and services including the medical camp are being provided to the people,’ he said. He attributed it to the colony mothers whose prayers during those days had changed things for the better.