Odisha ASHA worker Saraswati is a ray of hope for Juang tribals

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Keonjhar, Apr 13:

The tireless efforts of ASHA worker Saraswati Parida has brought the malaria deaths to zero in the Juang dominated  tribal villages of Khajuribani, Khandamara and  Borapada in Harichandanpur block in Keonjhar district in Odisha.

The Khajuribani, Khandamara, Borapada villages have around 200 homes, with 1200 residents. There were regular cases of malaria deaths in the area. But , Saraswati, who is the ASHA worker for these villages, has worked day and night to save hundreds of lives.

In 2015, 594 persons in these three villages were suffering from fever. She tested 594 persons in one year suffering from fever and was instrumental in saving the lives of 368 who tested positive and making them healthy.

The ASHA worker bought medicine from the market with her own money by selling her own rice and hens to distribute to the needy and was always available for the sick.

Her efforts did not go waste as she succeeded in saving all the lives. She was awarded by the district administration for identifying the highest number of malaria cases in Keonjhar and was given Rs 27,000 as an encouragement award .

Her good work is not confined to the health sector but she been an encouragement to the welfare of the Juangs in all aspects of their life, like education and various government schemes.

“I am myself a poor woman, I feel very bad for the poor Juangs. If someone suffers from fever I cannot rest till they are cured. I feel their condition will improve with awareness, said Sarawati.