CHAUTARA: A large number of women from rural areas in Sindhupalchok are found suffering from various sorts of reproductive health issues including cervical cancer infection.

Rural women in Sindhupalchok do not generally visit health facilities or health professionals till they become bed-ridden. Bearing this bitter reality in mind, Chautara Sangachokgadhi municipality on Monday organised a free health camp at Sangachok, Sangachokgadhi -12, targeting such a section of women.

A seven member medical team led by cancer prevention specialist Dr Kishor Pradhananga from the BP Koirala Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur in Chitwan arrived here to conduct a free health camp where 300 women underwent health checkups. Out of the 180 women tested for the cervical cancer, 150 were found contracting infection for the fatal disease and three were diagnosed of living in a window period.

The camp organised by the local government was coordinated by the Thaha Foundation.

Likewise, a total of 202 women underwent checkup for breast cancer and three suspected cases were detected and three had lumps on their breasts.

A total of 2,500 individuals were given health counseling and 200 were provided medicines free of cost, according to municipality deputy mayor Januka Parajuli.