Tura, Feb 15: The border security force (BSF) today reached out to the
rural areas with health care facilities. A total of 50 villages were
mobilized from West and South West Garo Hills, along Indo – Bangladesh
border.
The initiative was taken by BSF to address the urgent medical aid at
Chechengpara, near Dalu about 75 km from Tura.
Commandant of 183 Battalion, TNS Reddy said, “We organize the health
camps to address the basic health care needs of the people. It is an
effort to boost the morale of the people, where health care needs are
farce”.
He said, “BSF under its civic action programme host such camps on a
regular interval. During the camp, we identify patients with chronic
ailments, who are referred for medical attention. We keep a track of
such patients and do the follow up”.
“The BSF also identify children with cleft lips and pursue them for
operation under project smile train”, he added.
The programme received a huge response with a total participation of
about 700 patients. There were four doctors to attend. Apart from
check-up, the patients were given free medicines.
To engage the community in their initiative, a cultural programme was
organized. The local talents were given an opportunity to display
their skills.
The health camp tuned out to be festive as patients were given a
healing touch coupled with music and food.
Silsime Marak, 55 of Purakhasia said, “In absence of medical
facilities, we face a lot of hardship. Though we have dispensary and
PHCs in our area but doctors hardly attend”.
Another patient Kalcheng Sangma, 48 said, “Such programme should be
held often. We have to travel as far as 30 km and the road
communication is very bad. Even if we go to nearby PHCs doctors will
not be available. So we have to depend on pharmacy for medical
attention”.
“In rural areas of Garo hills, the health care facilities are in sorry
state of affairs. Though government has launched its ambitious
programme under National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), the ground
reality is all before us”, said a local leader, who did not wish to be
quoted.(SP News)
