Health & Sanitation
These are most important issue in rural India. They demand most care and concern. For long these two issues prevailed but actions were taken at least. So, 16 Mile Rural Development Society put maximum thrust to enhance the situation of health & Sanitation in its area of operating mostly by educating people through awareness drives.
Rural Sanitary Mart-
Since 1998-99, the organization has operated the Rural Sanitary Mart, dedicated to promoting sanitation and hygiene in rural communities. The Mart educates residents on the importance of installing sanitary toilets in their homes and encourages proper usage. In addition to household toilets, it also constructs school toilets, public toilet blocks, and community toilets to enhance sanitation facilities for all. This year, the Mart has successfully installed 275 household toilets across the Kaliachak-I, II, and III blocks of Malda district, significantly improving the quality of life and health standards for families in the area. Community involvement remains a key focus.
Camp for Lip & Pallet Patients-
The organization has organized multiple camps for patients with lip and palate conditions across Malda, Dakhin and Uttar Dinajpur, and Murshidabad districts. Collaborating with Durgapur I.Q. City Hospital, we facilitated free treatment and surgeries for 175 patients under a government scheme. Each patient was personally escorted from their homes to the hospital, ensuring they received the necessary care. Out of those treated, 85 underwent successful surgeries and are now recovering well. The joy and relief experienced by these patients and their families underscore the positive impact of our initiative, helping to restore confidence and improve quality of life.
Awareness Program on Family Planning-
These programs are actively conducted in the Kaliachak-I, II, and III blocks of Malda district, focusing on family planning education. Peer leaders are trained in various family planning methods and facilitate group meetings in local Gram Panchayat areas, engaging with eligible women to discuss effective temporary spacing methods. Through these initiatives, approximately 1,500 eligible women have benefited, gaining valuable knowledge and support to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This ongoing program empowers women to manage family planning effectively, promoting healthier families and communities while fostering awareness about responsible family growth and spacing options.
Awareness Program on De-Worming-
Six programs were conducted in the Kaliachak-II and III blocks, engaging over six hundred adolescent girls aged 14 to 18. These sessions focused on raising awareness about the importance of deworming and its necessity for maintaining health and well-being. Participants learned about the impact of intestinal worms on their health, including issues related to nutrition, growth, and overall development. The programs provided valuable information on how regular deworming can enhance their quality of life and improve their ability to focus on studies and activities. By empowering these young girls with knowledge, we aim to foster healthier futures for them and their communities.
Awareness Program on Drinking Water-
In the Kaliachak-III block, the primary sources of drinking water include an arsenic-free pipeline supply managed by the Public Health Engineering department and household tube wells. Numerous water tanks equipped with multi-tap connections are present in almost every village. However, many of these tanks are rendered unusable due to missing or malfunctioning taps, leading to significant water wastage. To address this issue, awareness programs were organized for villagers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these water tanks and promptly repairing or replacing broken taps. This initiative aims to prevent water wastage and ensure the community has reliable access to clean drinking water.