Chitrakonda, Malkangiri, Odisha ( 19-20 July’16 )
Villages around Chitrakonda in Odisha are geographically remote, and therefore almost inaccessible for government service delivery. Villages like RSC-11, RSC-19 and Palangkrai under Rallegada Gram Panchayat are also gravely impacted by extremism, preventing doctors and healthcare from reaching these villages. The cost and commute to reach the nearest health centre in Chitrakonda town is an additional burden on the economically vulnerable families. The situation calls for provision of timely diagnosis and follow-up care closer to the communities, especially the children and women.
This is why Essar Foundation ensures that health camps are organised at regular intervals in these areas. The camps are key to Essar Foundation’s community focus, and help in meeting the immediate healthcare needs of many marginalised communities in rural India.
Common ailments that plague these areas are malaria, tuberculosis, water-borne diseases, weakness caused by malnutrition, gynecological problems and skin infections. The most recent camps were held in three villages in Odisha and saw a patient turnout of more than 200. Customised health camps are organised extensively across all locations offering comprehensive health services. Organising health camps in some of the most vulnerable areas is one of the most challenging, yet fulfilling, of the Foundation’s endeavours.
