Koraput: Despite challenges of working in remote areas, a doctor in Odisha is trying his best to ensure that tribals of 12 villages get proper healthcare services.
Doctor Chittaranjan Jena is no less than a saviour for the tribals at Dasmantpur area of Koraput district. Posted at Girligumma Primary Health Centre (PHC), Jena treks hills and even crosses swelling rivers to reach the people of these areas.
Jena is playing a crucial role in creating awareness among the villagers to lead a healthy life. With the help of 15 volunteers, he formed ‘Gaon Ku Chala’ 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, 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 Jena.
“The ‘Gaon Ku Chala’ committee is a noble initiative by doctor Chittaranjan Jena to create awareness and ensure that villagers lead a healthy life,” said Rajesh Ranjan Tripathy, a resident of Girligumma.
“He is a messiah for us. No doctor has done so much before like the way he (Chittaranjan Jena) is doing for us. We are indebted to him,” said Chittaranjan Khosala, another resident.