Sundargarh: In a determined push to strengthen healthcare access for tribal communities, especially in remote and underserved regions, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a series of focused health initiatives. A major milestone in this mission is the two-day mega medical camp inaugurated today at Sundargarh Government Medical College & Hospital in Odisha.
Organised as part of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations, the camp is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, AIIMS Delhi, and the Government of Odisha. The event was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive and quality healthcare services to tribal populations.
In his address, Oram commended the team of medical experts from AIIMS Delhi for their dedicated service and personally interacted with patients, encouraging them to avail the specialised facilities. Marking the inclusive approach of the initiative, the Minister also distributed wheelchairs to around 100 persons with disabilities.
The camp features expert medical services from 19 specialist departments of AIIMS Delhi, including cardiology, haematology, general medicine, gastroenterology, nephrology, surgery, orthopaedics, among others. Patients from 18 blocks of Sundargarh district and nearby areas have turned up in large numbers to access these services, which include free consultations, diagnostics, and prescribed medications.
Diagnostic services such as ECG, ultrasound, X-ray, and blood tests are being provided at no cost. On the first day alone, over 1,500 patients availed these services, reflecting a strong response from the local community. The camp will continue on April 6, further extending its impact and outreach.
This initiative is closely aligned with the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023. With the goal of eradicating sickle cell disease by 2047, the mission adopts a community-focused approach that integrates awareness, screening, and management of the disease—particularly among tribal populations, where prevalence is high.
The mega medical camp in Sundargarh stands as a powerful testament to the Ministry’s broader vision of “Healthcare for All.” It reinforces the Government’s commitment to holistic and inclusive development of tribal communities and marks another step towards creating healthier, self-reliant, and empowered tribal societies across India.
