post news network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 5: The National Health Mission has decided to implement a special programme for particularly vulnerable tribal groups in the state soon in a move to address the health issues of the tribal population.
The programme would be implemented in view of the growing trend among tribal groups of opting for occult services and black magic for healing of diseases rather than for healthcare services provided at government hospitals, according to sources.
Women and the children in tribal-dominated pockets are more vulnerable to deadly health hazards such as complications during pregnancy, anaemia and malnutrition among children.
Health officials here have decided to intensify awareness campaigns in collaboration with voluntary organisations under the special programme. Each voluntary organisation will be given `3 lakh for organising various awareness camps and about `9 lakh for maternal care. These steps aim to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates in these areas.
Moreover, 15 maternal homes will be set up to provide pre and post natal care to the expectant mothers. This will add to the 46 maternal homes already functioning in 12 highly-populated tribal pockets of the state. The new homes will have the capacity to accommodate six mothers at a time.
The first phase of the project will cover the tribal population of Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. This will be expanded to five more tribal-dominated pockets later.
