NGOs Brave Treacherous Terrain to Move Pregnant Women to Maa Gruhas in Gajapati
Bhagabat Padhi, Odishabarta
Paralakhemundi: As Gajapati district stepped up preparedness measures ahead of the adverse weather and heavy rainfall, voluntary organisations working in remote and tribal areas took proactive steps to safeguard pregnant women living in difficult-to-reach locations.
Staff and volunteers associated with different NGOs transported expectant mothers from remote, hilly and interior villages to nearby Maa Gruhas (maternity waiting homes) so that they could remain close to healthcare facilities during the period of inclement weather.
In Rayagada Block, the Society for the Welfare of Weaker Sections (SWWS) mobilised its staff to bring pregnant women from remote areas to the Maa Gruha at Dombapur. According to the organisation, 10 antenatal-care women from areas including Jalango, Karadasing, Omeda and Gandahati were shifted to the shelter.
The women were provided accommodation, food and care by the Maa Gruha staff. Health check-ups and medical support were also coordinated with the Rayagada Community Health Centre (CHC).
Similarly, the Peace organisation shifted pregnant women from remote areas to its Maa Gruha at Khajuripada in Nuagada Block. Eight women from Jholasahi, Manikapur, Kere, Kujapanka and Nuasahi were reportedly brought to the shelter as a precautionary measure.
The organisation also undertook similar arrangements in Mohana Block, bringing expectant mothers from inaccessible hilly villages to the block headquarters. Women from villages including Jamugonda, Adanko, K. Panigonda, Domadua, Kottama, Karchabadi, Sikulipadar, Dhanapada and Mahakampo were reportedly shifted to the shelter.
The precautionary relocation of pregnant women to Maa Gruhas before cyclones, heavy rainfall and other natural calamities has been undertaken in the region for several years. The objective is to ensure that women living in remote areas can reach institutional healthcare in time, particularly when roads and communication links may be disrupted by adverse weather.
Under the arrangement, local health facilities can be alerted when a woman approaches labour or requires medical attention, enabling timely transportation to the appropriate healthcare facility.
The initiative assumes particular importance in Gajapati, where several tribal and hilly settlements are located far from major health institutions. Government programmes also recognise antenatal care and referral services for pregnant women from vulnerable and inaccessible areas.
The efforts of the voluntary organisations have received appreciation from the district administration, with support from the district health authorities. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and the District Programme Manager of the National Health Mission (NHM) reportedly visited the Maa Gruhas and reviewed the arrangements made for the expectant mothers.
The coordinated efforts of NGOs, health personnel and local administration are aimed at ensuring that difficult terrain and extreme weather do not become barriers to timely maternal healthcare.
