The Ganjam district administration on Monday launched a free auto-ambulance service named 'Nirikhyana Sathi' to transport pregnant women and children under one year of age from remote and unconnected areas to nearby health centers. The initiative aims to ensure smooth institutional deliveries in regions where standard ambulances cannot reach.
Inauguration and Objective
The service was inaugurated by Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vassan at Mangalpur village under Dharakote block. Zilla Parishad President Anjali Swain was also present at the event. The auto-ambulance will carry pregnant women from their villages to nearby hospitals for ultrasound tests and delivery, with the fare covered by the district Red Cross funds.
How It Works
Under the Nirikhyana Sathi initiative, WhatsApp numbers of auto-ambulance drivers will be shared with expectant mothers and ASHA workers. They can contact the driver when needed to transport the woman or infant to a healthcare facility. The administration has identified 247 villages across 12 blocks for this service.
Around 100 auto-rickshaws will be engaged for the purpose, said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Bhabani Shankar Mishra. Selected auto-rickshaws will be marked with stickers identifying them as Nirikhyana Sathi.
Coverage Areas
The service will cover Patrapur (85 villages), Sorada (69), Jagannath Prasad (17), Digapahandi (19), Dharakote (24), Bhanjanagar (7), Beguniapada (6), Buguda (4), Chikiti (3), Aska (3), Polasara (5), and Sanakhemundi (5).
Impact on Health Indicators
Since the launch of the Nirikhyana program, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR) have significantly reduced in the district. The proposed Nirikhyana Sathi will further help expectant mothers reach health centers smoothly, said the collector.
Technology Integration
An app has been developed for the Nirikhyana program, providing pregnant women with alerts for important tests, including ultrasound scans. The district administration facilitates free ultrasound tests thrice during pregnancy. The initiative received the prestigious SKOCH award last year.
