To aid in the eradication of the Helicobacter Pylori, the stomach cancer-causing bacteria in the country, the health ministry is initiating a month-long mass screening programme in Thimphu Thromde. The screening camp began on Tuesday. Helicobacter Pylori or H.Pylori infection is the major cause of gastric cancer which is formed from food and the environment. Gastric cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country with the highest deaths.
The health team is conducting a mass stool H.Pylori testing for the population aged 18-75 years. Those who test positive for the infection will be given H.Pylori eradication therapy.
“Those who require endoscopy after the stool sample, we will call them as we have noted their contact numbers. If they are tested positive on both the stool sample and endoscopy, we will provide them with medications,” said Kinga Gyeltshen, the Deputy Chief Thromde Health Officer of the Thimphu Thromde. “Their stool sample will be tested after three months. And if they test positive again, we will change the medications and provide the services accordingly.”
The Thromde health sector is screening more than 500 people in a day and plans to cover about 9000 during the month-long programme. The screening programme opens from 9AM till 4PM in across 14 stations.
“I came here today to check for stomach cancer as I have been having pain. And I was told that we do not have to go to the hospital as the mass screening brought the service closer to our doorstep. We are grateful,” said Pema Dorji, a resident of Dechenchholing.
“The mass screening is a huge relief to us as we do not have to pay for taxi fare, get the token and stay in the queue for a checkup,” said another Dechencholing Resident, Sangay Zangmo. “Moreover, it’s difficult for women like us who have to carry our babies and stay in the queue.”
The Thromde health sector is planning to conduct a similar screening programme for cervical and breast cancers next month.
Sonam Pem/Sherab Wangmo Dorji (Intern)
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
