The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) organized a medical camp in Jharkhand's Latehar district, a Maoist hotbed, to provide treatment to the poor for life threatening diseases such as malaria.
The camp was held as a community programme here on Sunday.
Talking to reporters, Doctor Rakesh Kumar said the motive in holding the medical camp was to place a check on outbreak of malaria and other diseases, as people of the area were lacking in basic hygiene.
"Around 200 patients were treated. The motive was to conduct a test for malaria checkups. Secondly, there are lot of anaemia cases and weakness. Skin diseases and stomach infections are also seen. There is lack of hygiene and improper intake of food. They don't drink boiled water," said Kumar.
Free medicines and treatment was provided to poor locals who are unable to undergo any kind of treatment due to financial constrains.
Raghaw Ram, a teacher said the medical camp is a ray of hope for those who cannot afford better treatment due to poverty.
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"Due to poverty in this area people cannot afford proper medical treatment. But with the help of this medical camp treatment for life threatening disease such as malaria is provided to poor who cannot afford to spend around 150 rupees to 200 rupees on treatment, therefore this move is very appreciative," said Ram.
In Jharkhand, Maoists have significantly increased their presence in isolated tribal and interior rural regions. They also have a sizeable presence in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.