Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 July 2024
Directorate of Social Welfare, in partnership with the Health Department, has unveiled the ‘Swasthya-Doot’ initiative, a groundbreaking community-based volunteer program. This initiative aims to empower Anganwadi Workers and Helpers across the Union Territory by providing them with crucial training to handle health emergencies effectively.
“The Swasthya-Doot initiative represents a significant step towards creating a healthier and more resilient community,” said Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director of Social Welfare. “By training our Anganwadi workforce, we are ensuring that they can provide immediate and effective assistance during health emergencies, which can make a lifesaving difference,” he added.
The program has already seen substantial participation, with approximately 661 Anganwadi Workers and 420 Helpers from 720 Anganwadi Centers taking part. The training spans various regions under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), including Urban, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur, and Nicobar (TP).
During the comprehensive workshop, medical professionals focused on equipping participants with life-saving techniques. A key area of training was Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an emergency procedure essential during incidents such as heart attacks or near-drowning situations where an individual’s breathing has ceased. Attendees were trained to provide immediate CPR and manage other health emergencies with swift and decisive actions.
A distinctive feature of this workshop was its emphasis on not only training Anganwadi Workers and Helpers but also empowering them to disseminate this knowledge within their communities. Participants were instructed on how to educate local villagers, thereby creating a network of individuals capable of responding promptly to health crises.
The ‘Swasthya-Doot’ initiative is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the health resilience of communities across the Union Territory, ensuring that more individuals are prepared to handle emergencies effectively.