Kalpetta: Two unique projects that are conceived and executed in Wayanad are grabbing national attention. The Student Doctor Cadets (SDC) and the Hamlet Asha projects have been shortlisted for the SKOCH Award which is the highest independently instituted civilian honour in the country. The award is instituted by the SKOCH foundation which is a charitable organization. The award honours government institutions, individuals or organizations that work closely with the government to promote excellence in the fields of education, health and rural development.
The projects of the Arogya Keralam Wayanad have been nominated in the central government’s ‘aspirational district’ category. Arogyo Keralam district program manager Dr. B Abhilash has been invited to New Delhi to present the details of the projects in front of an expert panel. The Student Doctor Cadet project was flagged off in 2016 to develop a scientific temperament among the school students about health and medical science.
Some of their objectives include making the students able to understand the physical and mental problems of their fellow students and help them; prevent atrocities against children and developing a sense of social responsibility as well. The student doctors have received expert training in first aid. Under the Hamlet Asha project, a woman from the tribal settlement is selected and trained in the pre natal care, post natal care, new born care and to promote immunization drives.
In the initial stage, the project has been executed in the Thirunelli, Meppady, Poothadi and Noolpuzha panchayats. Meanwhile, it would be extended to the Mullankolli, Vellamunda, Thondarnad, Panamaram and Pulpally panchayats in the next stage. Round the clock services are available at the selected colonies.
