Conducted Regular once a week clinics in all camps and shelters. Distribution of Hygiene kits: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets, ORS packets and dressing sponges were also distributed in Camps at Wandoor Jetty, camp near jetty, Wandoor 123, Wandoor 8, Forest camp, scattered 3 camps and Badmash Pahad and Shelters at Namunaghar and Chouldari Health Education was given in all the camps and shelters through posters, songs and skits. Health Libraries started - 4 in wandoor camps and 2 in Chouldari intermediate shelter. Volunteers were selected from the camps to be in charge of the library materials supplied in a metal box with lock. Video show: A movie on HIV/AIDS was shown in Wandoor camps and intermediate shelters in Chouldhari and Namunaghar for the people. Health Mela: Health programme was arranged for the camp people which included cultural programmes and games related to health topics and moral values. Drama team: A drama team was formed in the Wandoor jetty camp area that performed a drama on Tuberculosis in other camps and shelters during the health mela. Volunteers: 11 volunteers were selected from the camps and shelters that are also in charge of the Health Libraries. Training Training of children in the Girls’ and boys’ Hostels run by the Pilar Fathers: A one- day training on cleanliness was conducted for the children by Dr. Johnson, , good habits. Training of volunteers from camps and shelters: Training on management of common illnesses based on the book “Where there is no doctor”, was given to the selected 11 volunteers in charges of Health Libraries of the Wandoor, Chouldhri, Namunaghar and Tirupati areas of South Andamans, by Dr. Johnson & Mrs. Helen Wallace. Three sessions were conducted, one each week for the volunteers. Distribution of hygiene kits in camps at Port Blair: 100 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil and 2 Nutritional supplement kits were supplied to the inmates of Wandoor camps. Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair continued.
Conducted Regular clinics in the Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels, till June 6. During this period 31 boys and 66 girls were examined and treated free of cost. Supplementary Nutrition kits containing dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies and Hygiene items consisting of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to all the students. A Farewell function was arranged by the EHA team in both the hostels, as the students return to their islands after the board examination. We actively participated in the function with them, with messages from Dr. Jeevan and Dr. Johnson, encouraging them to look forward to their future with hope. The usual Birthday celebration was also held and gifts consisting of a photo card and bookmark distributed to all students. Miss Francina, a Psychologist from Indian Council for Child welfare, was a constant help in organizing the interactive games during Birthday parties and the farewell function. Training Training of children: A one- day training on cleanliness, good habits was conducted by Mrs Helen Wallace for the children in Wimberliganj. Training of volunteers in Wandoor: Training was given on management of common illnesses based on the book “Where there is no doctor, to the selected 4 volunteer in charges of Health Libraries of the Wandoor area of South Andamans, by Mrs Helen Wallace,” Workshop on community Based Disaster Preparedness: Pilar Health Centre, Rangath: Once in fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on June 17 and 24 by Dr. Johnson. 70 patients were examined and treated. Distribution of hygiene kits to camps in Port Blair: 136 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil and 2 Nutritional supplement kits were supplied to the inmates of Tirupati camp. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets were also distributed. Assessment in Hutbay, Little Andaman: The settlement in Hutbay has been one of the worst hit following the disaster. An assessment done on June 4 by our team indicated a deficiency in the nutritional quality of the food. A repeat distribution has been requested. Relief Camps in South Andaman: The following services were rendered to the people in the 13 relief camps and intermediate shelters of South Andamans: Regular weekly clinics in all camps and shelters Clinic in Tirupati camp started from June 27, a community where previously the access was denied. Distribution of Hygiene kits: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils, chlorine tablets, ORS packets and dressing sponges were also distributed in camps-Wandoor Jetty, camp near jetty, Wandoor 123, Wandoor 8, Forest camp, scattered 3 camps and Badmash pahad and shelters-Namunaghar and Chouldari Supplementary Nutrition kits: 300 Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed in the above mentioned camps and shelters. ORS (chooski for children) distributed Health Education was done in all the camps and shelters through posters, songs and skits. Health Libraries started, 4 in wandoor camps and 2 in Chouldari intermediate shelter. Volunteers were selected from there to be in charge of the library materials supplied in a metal box with lock. Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair is being continued.
Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels: 280 girls and 215 boys reside in the hostels. The weekly birthday parties in both the hostel continued to be held. In addition to Dr Siju and Dr Johnson, Arpana Philip and Sr. Helen Wallace helped in the smooth running of the programmes here. Arpana, a volunteer from Delhi helped the students in their studies by taking special classes for the students. The principal of the school, Mrs Leela Varghese was very much appreciative of her efforts. Regular clinics on alternate days were conducted in both the hostels. 336 hostellers were examined and treated free of cost. Hygiene items in the form of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to the students. Andaman and Nicobar Disability Rehabilitation Centre: A special medical camp was held for the inmates of the centre on May 9. 25 children were examined. Fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on May 13 and 27 . 124 patients were examined and treated. Relief Camps in South Andaman: In the 13 relief camps of South Andamans week clinics were held. 426 people were examined and treated. Supply of hygiene kits to all the affected continues. 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed. Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed to each of the affected families. Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair – The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair has been going on well. In addition to doctors, Sr Helen Wallace from BCH, Fatehpur has been helping out with the work in the hospital. A Total of 1793 OP patients and 212 IN patients were seen in May. 378 patients were examined in the camps and settlements and 313 in the hostels. Dr Varghese Philip, Executive Director of EHA, visited the project from May 2 to 4, assessed the work and discussed on the future of the project. Mrs. Wendy Toulmin of Archbishop’s Foundation, Australia visited the project from May 10 to 14. She visited the various relief camps in South Andamans, the hostels and the Pilar Health Centre.
Providing Support to the Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels at Port Blair: 280 girls and 215 boys reside in the hostels. The programme started by Ms Jubin Varghese for psychological support to the students in the Girls’ Hostel in the form of birthday parties every weekend was started in the Boy’s Hostel too on the request of the school authorities. The students looked forward to this programme every weekend. Students who used to be very homesick and were much traumatized by the disaster have slowly started to come forward in participating in the cultural programmes organized during the birthday parties. After Ms Jubin left, these parties were ably conducted by Siju. Dr Johnson who joined the projecting from Nav Jivan Hospital, Satbarwa has been a great help in conduct these programmes. Two local volunteers have also chipped in with their help. Ms Francina is a psychologist working in the local government and Ms Deepti, a student awaiting her tenth standard results. Regular clinics on alternate days were conducted in both the hostels. Hygiene items in the form of soaps, detergents, toothpaste and coconut oil were supplied to the students. Andaman and Nicobar Disability Rehabilitation Centre: This is an NGO run initiative, one of its only kind in the whole of the islands involved in the rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged. Started by a husband-wife team, it has done yeoman service to this special group. They requested Ms Jubin to take a special session for the volunteers and staff of the centre on psychological support to children. Two days of classes were conducted by Ms Jubin for the volunteers and staff of the centre on April 4 & 5. The sessions were well appreciated. A 2-day special sessions on Disaster Management, Mitigation and Preparedness was jointly conducted by EHA and the Tagore Government College of Education on April 5, 6 & 7. Dr Siju, Dr Tony, Ms Jubin, Dr Jeevan were the main resource persons. Father Albinus who was in charge of one of the major camps in Port Blair was guest speaker. In addition to the sessions, a field visit was also organized to South Andamans where EHA is actively working along with the Pilar Health Centre. The sessions and the visits were well appreciated. As part of strengthening of the existing medical mission network in the islands, a medical education programme was organized at the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat – approximately 160 kms north of Port Blair. A total of 10 sisters from surrounding Catholic dispensaries (non-doctor manned) participated in the 3 day programme conducted on April 12, 13 and 14. Topics ranging from Biblical approach to health and sickness, disease presentations, community approach to health, disaster management, mitigation and preparedness were taken. All the sessions were well appreciated and there was a demand that similar programmes be held on a regular basis. Dr Daniel Muthukumar, Dr Siju and Dr Jeevan were the major resource persons. The course material used was prepared by Dr Santosh Mathew along with the Community Health, EHA. Fortnightly visits by EHA doctors to the Pilar Health Centre, Rangat were done on April 15 and 29. 125 patients were examined and treated. Dr Tony and Dr Jeevan helped in this. Distribution of hygiene kits to camps in Port Blair continued: 150 sets of hygiene kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were supplied to the inmates of South Point Camp. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed. Relief Camps in South Andaman: In the 13 relief camps of South Andamans, Weekly clinics were held in all the camps. Supply of hygiene kits to all the affected: 300 kits comprising of soaps, detergents, toothpaste, talcum powder and coconut oil were distributed. In addition, mosquito coils were also distributed. Supplemental nutrition: Supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies were distributed in each of the affected families. Supplemental nutrition distribution in Hutbay, Little Andaman: The settlement in Hutbay has been one of the worst hit following the disaster. An assessment done by EHA has pointed out a deficiency in the nutritional quality of the food. EHA supplied a total of 2500 supplemental nutrition packs comprising of dry rations of pulses (2 varieties), soyabean chunks and groundnut candies. The logistics of transport and distribution were carried out with the help of the Pilar Fathers. A repeat distribution has been requested. Support to Pilar Health Centre, Port Blair: The support to the Pilar Health Centre at Port Blair has been going on well. In addition to doctors, Ms Jubin Varghese, consultant psychologist provide her services. Dr Tony from BCH, Fatehpur and Dr Johnson from NJH, Satbarwa were deputed for the work here in addition to Dr Jeevan. 945 Out - patients and 197 In- patients were seen in the centre in April.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS (Asha Sagar Project) SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY & MARCH WORK
MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
TAMIL NADU SRI LANKA Present EHA staff in the Islands
Two very small camps in Chowldari area, known as Lal Pahad and Badmash Pahad, were not much helped by organizations and the Government during the relief programs. One of the major need of the people (about 20 families) here was found to be stoves . Most of the children in these camps were going to school hungry. This was because the community kitchens running in the camps provided breakfast only by 9 AM wheras the school started early in the morning at 7 AM. The mothers felt that that if they had a stove, they could prepare some food for their children before they left for school. So though the number of beneficiaries were small, the relief team decided to buy these stoves and distribute to each family. The people are now happy with the stoves they have received. March 1 , 2005 - EHA Partners with Tribal Health Initiative to provide relief to fishermen in Kalpakkam: Kalpakkam, situated 90 kms south of Chennai, faced a lot of destruction in the aftermath of the tsunami. Kalpakkam, generally known for its Nuclear Power Plant, lies near the shoreline and though the number of deaths due to tsunami were comparatively less, most people lost all their possessions. The major populace, the fishermen, whose livelihood solely depends on the sea, were totally devastated by the tsunami. They lost their homes, their boats and nets, and are now residing in temporary shelters put up by the Government. Immediately after the tsunami stuck, a team of doctors and nurses from Tribal Health Initiative rushed to Kalpakkam to provide medical relief to the victims. Tribal Health Initiative (THI) is a Registered Charitable Trust and works amongst the forest tribals of Harur Taluk of Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu since 1993. It now has a 24-bedded hospital fully equipped with a labour room, neonatal ward, emergency ward and an operation theatre. Since the disaster, THI has been working in six villages of Kalpakkam, meeting the medical needs of the affected people. Their future plans include purchase of nets for the fishermen, construction of public toilets for the affected community and to provide counseling to the traumatized people. The fishermen need the nets to go back to fishing and earn their livelihood with dignity and self respect. Construction of public toilets (one for 3 to 5 families) will be a great help for the displaced people, especially the women, who are now living in temporary shelters. EHA will be monitoring the implementation of these plans.
In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, extensive health needs assessment were conducted in eight Islands, five camps in Port Blair and five camps in South Andaman, Rangat & Shoul Bay. Regular clinical services is being provided in seven camps & two tribal hostels. Disease surveillance was done in ten camps covering more than 5000 population. Medical and clinical services is being provided in the Pillar Health Center. EHA doctors also provide consultation in Government hospitals as and when needed.
The Pilar Health Centre is the only medical mission hospital with sub-centers in far-flung areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. EHA will support PHC by providing specialist doctors, Continuing Medical Education to staff and technical support in upgrading the hospital and sub-centers. The association will be for a period of six - months after which the agreement will be re-assessed. This unique endeavor has been christened as the ASHA SAGAR Project. Bishop Alex Dias Sfx, Sister Prema, Sister Superior Ashaniketan and Sister Dr. Mary Meena signed the MOU on behalf of PHC and Dr Juni Chungath, Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla and Mr. Sunny Jacob signed on behalf of EHA. Mr. Sunny Jacob was appointed as the Project Manager, Dr Jeevan Kuruvilla the Field Coordinator; and Dr Raghunath and Dr Daniel Muthukumar the medical officers of the project.
Earlier Dr Raghunath led a one man assessment team of the DCC to Campbell Bay. The salient observations of his visit are–
In an NGO co-ordination meeting with the DHS, EHA has offered to help in Campbell Bay in the following areas. However, we are awaiting word from the local administration
The future programs that are being planned in the areas of operation are –
February 4, 2005 - EHA to Supplement Primary Health Care in South Andaman: EHA has been given the responsibility of supplementing primary health coverage in South Andaman areas of Chouldari, Mitha Kadi and Wandoor villages. This was given in writing by the Director of Health Services, Dr Mrs Namita Ali. EHA's relief and rehabilitation team is distributing health kits to 8000 tsunami affected families in Tamil Nadu. The families have been identified by EFICOR in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore & Theramganbadi. The health kit forms part of the larger kit distributed by EFICOR, which contains daily utility things like buckets, mugs, soaps etc. Each health kit contains a Cod Capsule (a food supplement), Haematinic capsules which promote general health, readymade ORS and Paracetemol tablets for general aches & pains. The distribution started from February 3, 2005 and will give the families a supply for 2 month. EHA has been asked by the Government of A&N to provide medical care to 15,000 affected people in South Andamans and the tsunami affected children staying in two hostels. February 1, 2005 - Woman Medical Team leaves for Colombo, Sri Lanka: On February 1 EHA sent a women medical team to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The team includes Dr. Mallika Chidambaram a consultant Gynecologist and Sis. Tamil Selvee an Obstetrics Nurse. They will be providing medical care to the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka. |
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EHA Tsunami Relief & Rehabilitation Work
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July 31, 2005 - Relief Camps in South Andaman: The following services were rendered to the people in the 13 relief camps and intermediate shelters of South Andaman’s:
June 30, 2005 - Relief Camps in South Andaman: Girls and Boys Hostels: 286 girls and 210 boys from Car Nicobar, Katchal and Theresa Islands, the islands worst affected by tsunami, reside in the 2 hostels. They are currently preparing for their 10th and 12th Board Examinations under the tutorship of Mrs. Leela, a dedicated Government School Principal. The EHA teams Activities were:
May 30, 2005: EHA continued to provided relief intervention in the following areas to the tsunami affected communities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in May:
April 30, 2005:
EHA's involvement in the tsunami affected communities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands continued in April.
April 11, 2005 -
100 Days Post Tsunami: EHA's involvement in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, post tsunami, has been manifold. Regular clinics and hygiene surveillance were conducted in various camps in Port Blair and South Andamans. 800 health kits were distributed in the camps. Nutrition supplements in accordance with the SPHERE standards were provided to the families. Many tribals and people from various camps visited the Pilar Health Centre and received free treatment. The Outpatient and inpatient departments of Pilar Health Centre saw unprecedented increase in patient numbers. Psychological support was given to the girls of the tribal hostel. The high spot of the month was the community birthday party organised for the girls in the hostel. The party was a great hit with the stressed out students. Finally, EHA conducted a three - day training program on 'Disaster Management, Mitigation and Preparedness' for 100 graduating teachers in association with the Tagore Government College of Education, in Port Blair.
March 7, 2005- distribution of Hygiene Kits & Stoves, Conducts medical checkups: EHA along with the Pilar Health Centre, has been providing comprehensive health care to the Tsunami affected in the Wandoor, Chowldari and Mithakhadi areas of South Andamans. At present, all the affected population stationed in about 13 camps in the area are being supplied with free medical facilities. Hygiene needs of the people are being met by providing toothbrushes, bathing and washing soaps, sanitary napkins, oil etc. Additional nutritional needs are also being met by Pilar Health Centre. A detailed survey on the need for supplementary nutrition has also been carried out. A supplement dietary programme is being worked out. Food supplements in the form of peanuts, grams and soyabean chunks are being planned to be given over the next few weeks.
February 24, 2005: In Tamil Nadu, seven teams provided acute relief & rescue operations to the tsunami affected people in the coastal regions. Two teams conducted independent health need assessment and surveillance work in all the coastal camps. Over 3500 health & hygiene kits were distributed in the various camps. Another batch of 5000 kits will be distributed in the next phase.
February 14 , 2005: On February 13, 2005 EHA and Pilar Health Centre (PHC), signed a MOU and entered into an agreement for working together in Port Blair.
February 12, 2005 -
EHA provides Medical relief in Nirmala School Camp, Port Blair: In the Nirmala School Camp, the medical needs of the inmates are being met by the Pilar Health Centre in association with EHA. Dr Raghunath, a consultant pediatrician from CFCHC, Ambilikkai has volunteered to be part of the EHA team which is doing medical relief work. The Nirmala School has about 860 registered internally displaced Tsunami victims from the Nicobar islands. A total of about 2800 patients have been seen in this school by the combined team of EHA and Pilar Health Centre.
February 11, 2005 - Mobile Clinic provides Clinical Services in South Andaman: The mobile clinic providing clinical services was started by EHA on February 5, in South Andaman, with the Pilar Health Centre providing paramedical support. At present, regular visits are made to the camps in Vandoor, Chouldari and Mithakhadi areas of South Andaman daily. Dr Jeevan visited Camps Nos. two and three of New Wandoor. In the following week, Dr Raghunath visited Chouldari and Mithakhadi areas. Till February 11 about 200 patients received clinical services through the mobile clinic. A need assessment was conducted in these areas and the following needs were revealed: