As the Dibrugarh Book Fair 2025 continues to draw thousands of literature enthusiasts to the Chowkidinghee playground, a vital initiative is ensuring that visitors leave with more than just books. Stall No. 82, located strategically to the right of the main entrance, has become a hub for wellness, offering free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to the public.
Organised by the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Dibrugarh, the “Project Positive Health Camp” has already served as a lifesaver for many. In the first week alone, the camp has screened 974 individuals, providing critical health data to a population often unaware of their “silent” lifestyle conditions.
The camp has uncovered several high-risk medical cases. Dr Foujia Shireen Hakeem, the Project Chairperson leading the team of doctors and volunteers, revealed that the screenings have detected dangerously high glucose levels in several visitors.
“We encountered individuals with blood sugar readings as high as 400 to 500 mg/dL. These are critical levels that require immediate intervention. In many cases of abnormally high blood pressure, we found people in a state of denial. Our team had to patiently counsel them on the long-term risks of stroke or heart failure and convince them of the urgent need for medical treatment. Awareness is the first step toward a healthier lifestyle,” Dr Hakeem stated.
The day-wise beneficiary count is as follows:· December 12 (Day 1): 79· December 13 (Day 2): 152· December 14 (Day 3): 206· December 15 (Day 4): 122· December 16 (Day 5): 150· December 17 (Day 6): 117· December 18 (Day 7): 148
Those detected with severe irregularities are being referred to the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, for advanced testing and long-term lifestyle management.
While the camp is officially scheduled from 3 pm to 7 pm, the overwhelming response from the public has forced volunteers to extend services until 8.30 pm. The daily footfall reflects a growing health consciousness among citizens.
The initiative is a collaborative venture involving the Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital and pharmaceutical partners IPCA and Alembic. The camp is being closely monitored by a leadership team including Past District Governor Rotarian Kalpana Khound, President Rotarian Babita Rajak, and Secretary Rotarian Ipsita Borgohain.
The organisers said that the camp will remain operational until the final day of the book fair on December 22. Visitors are encouraged to stop by Stall No. 82 to take advantage of the free diagnostic services before browsing the literary stalls.
