Chhattisgarh: Naxal-damaged health center in dantewada revived with telemedicine facility

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 18 (ANI): With the support of the state government, a primary health center, which was damaged by Naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, is now serving the population in remote villages and also offering telemedicine facilities to them.

Primary Health Center at Potali was damaged by insurgents in 2009 following the health service to villagers was stopped, said Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Sanjay Basak.

“With the support of Chhattisgarh Government, the health center was re-constructed in 2011,” said the CMHO.

He further elaborated that a team of one MBBS doctor, two RMAs and three nurses are offering better health care facilities to people in the area.

The health center covers around 25 villages under Potali as well as some villages of Sukma district. The primary health center has won the Kayakalp award from the government four times and efforts are on to clear the National Quality Assurance Standards.

“The primary health center is benefiting larger population as it is treating all the health problems and serious complications,” the CMHO said.

“In case of serious medical issues, the primary health center gets connected with district hospitals and specialist doctors for the line of treatment and diagnosis. With the support of Chhattisgarh Government, the telemedicine facility was started around two months ago,” he informed.

Dantewada Collector Mayank Chaturvedi said that the Potali Health Center is one of the units located in the interior area of the district and the catchment area of it is also very large as people from nearby gram panchayats reach there to avail the healthcare facilities.

“Keeping the same in mind, our priority is to strengthen Potali primary health center, and under this campaign, telemedicine facility has been started,” said the collector, adding that the move will be helpful to those residing in remote areas.

He also mentioned that the team at the primary health centre is working hard and with great determination.

“The area is in our priority and we are working to ensure more facilities at the centre in near future,” he said.