BACKGROUND
Large parts of the East Indian state of Odisha are inhabited by so-called “scheduled tribes”, 62 different indigenous population groups. Odisha is characterized by ethnic and cultural diversity, but is also one of the poorer states of India. The indigenous population in particular is severely discriminated against, and access to education and medical care often confronts them with insurmountable obstacles. Usthi offers good health care in the indigenous tribal areas of the Munda and Juang peoples through the jungle hospital in Somagiri and the health network in the villages. As maternal and infant mortality rates in the jungle are still high, the hospital was expanded in 2013 to include a maternity unit. This means that the health of pregnant women, mothers and children can now be provided for. In addition to providing health care in the hospital and through the network, Usthi also supports the health and development of the youngest children in the jungle region through a programme for infants. Usthi engages women from the surrounding villages in all health projects in order to be close to the local population, but also in order to give local women a fair job and a better status in society.
TRIBAL HEALTH CENTRE
BENEFICIARIES 2023: 133 VILLAGES – 31’431 CONSULTATIONS – 5’822 laboratory analyses
Today, the tribal health centre in Somagiri is the first point of contact for medical care for the indigenous population within a catchment area the size of the Canton of Zurich. A local chief physician, three specialist doctors and nurses treat patients from the region 24 hours a day. The Usthi field ambulance also makes it possible to transport patients who are seriously ill from the surrounding villages to the jungle hospital, or directly to the regional hospital in Keonjhar. In an emergency, the more serious operations are carried out there. Another important step towards improving the health of women and children was taken with the construction of the maternity unit in 2013. Pregnant women, mothers and their babies can be advised and examined by a gynaecologist and a midwife. A pediatrician is also specifically responsible for the treatment of sick children. The opening of the maternity ward also made it possible for the tribal health centre to become part of the region’s health care system. As a result, certain treatments have been covered by insurance since 2017. The jungle hospital receives direct government contributions for its services and is thus also financed locally. In addition, local people are now more likely to seek medical treatment when ill or pregnant, as they no longer fear major financial risks.
HEALTH NETWORK
BENEFICIARIES 2022: 34 VILLAGES
The additional health network active in the region complements the work of the tribal health centre and brings primary health care directly to the villages. 42 women, who all come from the villages, were trained as health care workers in the jungle hospital and travel to the surrounding villages by bicycle and with a first aid bag. The health care workers are an important link between the indigenous population and the hospital. The women ensure that the sick are treated in the hospital if necessary. Usthi also equips the health care workers with mobile phones so that they can be reached around the clock and can call the tribal health centre directly in case of emergencies in the villages in order to mobilise the field ambulance. At the annual “Health Camp” they conduct health checks with the villagers together with doctors from the hospital and inform them about topics such as hygiene, nutrition and health. In a few days, they examine several thousand people free of charge and give medicines where necessary. It is an important major event that brings many people together and strengthens confidence in Usthi’s medical services.