Kaniguma, Kalahandi: On 2nd October 2024, the Swasthya Swaraj Society celebrated its 10th anniversary with the inauguration of the new Community Hospital in Kaniguma. The event, attended by local communities and dignitaries, marked a decade of unwavering dedication to primary healthcare in tribal areas. The hospital aims to provide accessible, affordable healthcare, including maternal and child health services, treatment for malaria, tuberculosis, and malnutrition. In her keynote, Dr. Sucheta Pani, Chief District Medical & Public Health
Officer, emphasised the importance of bridging healthcare gaps in remote areas, while Prof. Dr. Sarat Chandra Singh highlighted the hospital’s role in advancing medical education and training. Smti. Jayashree Mohanty spoke about the critical need for maternal and child healthcare, and Dr. Supriya Pattnayak stressed the importance of skill-based training for tribal girls under the Diploma in Community Health Practice (DCHP) programme.
The event also celebrated the launch of the Rural Creche Initiative, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation, which aims to provide early childhood care and supplementary nutrition for children aged 7 months to 3 years in tribal areas. The Graduation Day of DCHP students was also observed, marking their successful training and readiness to serve their communities.
On this occasion, Swasthya Swaraj released several key publications, including ODYSSEY: The 10-Year Journey of Swasthya Swaraj, the Swasthya Sathi Training Manual, the Health and Nutrition Promoting School Manual, and the Handbook of Dermatology, Volume 1.
As Swasthya Swaraj celebrates their 10-year journey, the new community hospital stands as a testament to their dedication to empowering tribal communities through accessible, high-quality primary healthcare.
