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Medical Camps in Jhangeri, Srikot & Miyani Sector

Introduction

There are estimated 50 villages in this sector with a total population of under 20,000. This is a 35 sq km grid at an elevation of 7,000 ft. A total of 5 Medical Camps were conducted between based in Jhangeri and Srikot. HIMAID doctors provided medical care and follow up treatment to over 525 patients at Jhangeri, Srikot and nearby villages (Bhatwari, Khasonsi, Basangaon, Gharad, Akholi, Bishtaonsi, Kothi etc in the Tehri area). Surveys and recce trips to other villages in the area were conducted to improve on protective preventive and primary healthcare focus.

The Inaugral Journey

Recce of Jhangeri was carried out on 23rd Jan 2017. The group consisted of Lt. Col. Woodward, Peter Tower (Nora Solomon Foundation) and Avdesh Sharma (RLEK). We left Doon at 7am in a Bolero supplied by RLEK (Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra) with whom Peter’s Nora Solomon Foundation has had a long relationship. We drove through the busy Library end of Mussoorie and continued towards Kempty falls.

Kempty Falls – about 15 km from Mussoorie, is a popular tourist destination and features cascading waterfalls. It was developed by a British Officer around 1835 and the name is probably derived from the word ‘camp tea.’ You may halt at your convenience anytime, anywhere and enjoy your short break. We did not halt there, as we had miles to go and promises to keep…….

Nainbagh. We stopped for breakfast at this sleepy hilly town and regional communication centre for that area of the mountains. Nainbagh is located at the confluence of three districts- Dehradun, Tehri and Uttarkashi and is about 40 kms from Mussoorie.

Jhangeri, Jaunpur in Tehri Garhwal

Jhangeri village is located in Dhanaulti Tehsil of Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, India. It is located at a distance of about 62 kms from Mussoorie and a total of 96 kms from Dehradun on the route to Yamnotri. After a total of 4 hours, we arrived at Jhangeri Primary School (supported by Nora Solomon Foundation). We were met by almost every person in the village, the teachers and students, the Pradhan, the Ex-Pradhan and the village elders. Lt. Col. Woodward explained what HIMAID is and hopes to do, what assistance was needed in terms of infrastructure and housing and how we planned to survey the health needs, so as to identify which doctors and specialties to bring to the area. We were offered every possible assistance by the area Pradhans. Full use of the Primary School and the newly built Senior School. The reason for this enthusiasm was the following:

The nearest PHC (Primary Health Centre) is in Nainbagh, 1 hour travel away. The last doctor there had left much earlier and only a mid-wife remained. The pharmacy was still open, even though the pharmacist had left. His untrained assistant was dispensing drugs. No state health organization doctors had ever traveled to this area. Occasional nurses and health workers had presented programs, but no treatment had ever been given. There are 50 villages scattered over 35 sq.km at a 7000 Ft elevation. There are seasonal migrations to grow crops near the river and in summer they return to the mountain villages. There are estimated 20,000 villagers having limited access to healthcare infrastructure as is available in bigger cities. Not all households have electricity and limited resources where crops are grown. Getting water to the mountainous region from the river is a challenge. There is an on-call ambulance.

We departed from Dehradun on Sunday, en-route we stopped at the Nainbagh PHC. Being a holiday, the Medical Officer was not available. However we were able to visit the hospital and were briefed regarding the facilities by the Pharmacist. Inoculations were being carried out.

Survey Forms

On arrival at Jhangeri, the team was briefed on how to capture information in the Survey forms. We were able to interview 1000 villagers.

We were hosted by the village for the duration of our visit. Away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities this haven had a very calming effect on the team.

Approximately 150 patients were examined by the team. Free medication was distributed.

Meeting the Volunteers

Col. & Mrs. Khanna, Lt. Col. and Mrs. Woodward and Mr. Sharma (rep of RLEK), visited Jhangeri village. A meeting with volunteers was arranged at the new school building. Mrs.Khanna briefed the volunteers essentially teachers & students regarding the filling of survey forms. In addition, the volunteers were briefed about their role and duties for upcoming Medical Camps.

Dr. Col. Alok Khanna, Dr. Col. Mrs. Manjul Khanna, Dr. Col. Harish Bhatia, Dr. N.S Jangpangi from Amritsar Eye Clinic and Lt. Col. Woodward.

Medical Camp at RLEK Primary School, Srikot (Bhatwari, Jaunpur)

The following attended the Camp: Dr. Col Khanna, Dr. Col. Bhatia, Dr. Col Durga, Dr. Lt. Col. Agarwal, Lt. Col. Woodward and Ophthalmologist- Dr. N.S Jangpangi, from Amritsar Eye Clinic along with 2 Optometrists. Rep of RLEK, Mr. Avadesh Sharma was also present.

Medical Camp at Srikot (Jaunpur)

Dr. Col. Khanna, Dr Col Mrs. Manjul Khanna, Col Vats, Dr. Col Durga, Dr. Col Harish Bhatia, Dr. Lt. Col Agarwal, Lt. Col. Woodward and Mr. Arvind Sharma (RLEK).

The “Game Changers” Womens only initiative by women for women

The HIMAID Ladies group visited Jhangeri and spoke to the local Village ladies regarding menstrual hygiene and other issues. The group consisted of Col. Dr. Manjul Khanna, Mrs. Sudha Bhatia, Mrs. Aarti Agarwal and Mrs. Christine Woodward.

Miyani (Jaunpur Block)

The HIMAID Ladies Group visited the Government Inter College (GIC) at Miyani (Jaunpur). Approximately 300 girl students were divided into batches and issues of personal hygiene were discussed