Doc goes to treacherous terrains to serve people
Disregarding treacherous terrains and hostile living conditions, a doctor in Odisha’s hilly and forested Koraput district is trying hard to ensure best possible healthcare to people in 12 tribal-dominated villages.
Doctor Chittaranjan Jena posted at Girligumma Primary Health Centre (PHC) treks hills and even crosses swelling rivers to reach the people of the 12 inaccessible villages.
According to villagers, Dr Jena is playing a crucial role in creating awareness among the villagers to lead healthy and decease-free life.
With the help of 15 volunteers, the physician has formed
‘Gaon Ku Chala’
(let’s go to villages) committees to set up medical camps.
The doctor also distributes medicines and mosquito nets in the malaria-infested area from his own pocket.
After the duty hour gets over,
Dr Jena pays door-to-door visit and conducts health check-up of villagers at regular intervals.
“Following a diarrhoea outbreak in Dasmantpur block in 2007, I made a promise to myself that such incidents will not recur in the area. I have been working here to ensure that the villagers get basic healthcare services. By serving people, I get immense satisfaction,” said Dr Jena.
“The ‘Gaon Ku Chala’ committee is a noble initiative by Chittaranjan Jena to create awareness and ensure that villagers lead a healthy life,” said Rajesh Ranjan Tripathy, a resident of Girligumma.
“Dr Chittaranjan Jena is a messiah for us. No doctor has done so much before the way he is doing for us. We are indebted to him. Because of his efforts, people in accessible areas now know how to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. This has greatly contributed to reduction in the rate of disease,” said Chittaranjan Khosala, another resident.