Due to poverty and lack of health facilities in remote areas, many diseases remain untreated for many years. Eye disease is a very common problem among the aged and the children. Malnourishment aggravates the situation. Rural health centers do not have specialized unit for eye care because of which many patients remain untreated and may lead to possible blindness. Looking at the emerging need, the project organized 4 numbers of free eye treatment camp. Camps were organized in collaboration with District Health Society; National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB), Government of Assam. These camps have diagnosed 1697 patients. During the primary diagnosis, 264 critical patients were identified for cataract operation.. Cataract operations were done at Bhugeswari Phukononi Civil Hospital, Nogaon. Families living below poverty line were given priority. Less critical cases were supported with free medicine and other medical aid as prescribed by the doctors. 1037 eyeglasses were also distributed. A team of specialist doctors, ophthalmic assistant and nurses extended their services.
Construction of ring wells in Kahagorijan Gram Panchayat in the District of Nogaon with the support of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW):
31 ring wells were constructed at remotely located Khagorijan gram panchayat. The villagers were struggling for potable water for decades. The construction of ring well started on 16th January. Community consultation meetings were organized before finalizing the construction site. Community participation was spontaneous. Targeting was a real challenge for the project team since the community is struggling for safe drinking water for decades. Priority was given to those places where density of population is higher and no water source exists in nearby vicinity. Public places are given priority. Deed of agreement was signed after selection of each site. The agreement was validated by Water anagement committee (WMC). WMC is formed in each village. The committee comprise of teachers, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, elected representatives. 1550 families or 10850 persons have access to wells and have safe drinking water. 50 household is accessing water from one ring well. Average family size is 7. Best quality construction material has been used. All IR procurement policies were followed strictly. The construction work has been done under the close supervision of Project Engineer. The project Engineer works with the PHED, therefore is familiar with the area and terrain for the long time. Each ring well is fitted with pulley so that women can easily lift the bucket. Bucket and rope is also provided. Ramp is created in each ring well to make inclusive and user friendly. Sock pit is also constructed to avoid water logging. Water Management Committee (WMC) members are regularly monitoring the wells and ensuring its cleanliness. WMC is formed in each project village. The committee comprise of teachers, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, elected representatives. 10 committees are formed which is having 77 members which include 49 male members and 28 female members. These members were nominated by the villagers during community meetings. Later, the WMC will take charge of its maintenance. WMC is also linked with Public Health Engineering Department for chlorination. Each ring well is carrying WASH awareness massages so that awareness can be generated among users. The message contents “importance of boiling water before drinking”, “cover water vessel with lid” and “keeping the surrounding well neat and clean”.
