Korba (Chhattisgarh) [India], December 23 (HBTV): The Chhattisgarh government is working to bring the Birhor community, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), into the mainstream by improving access to education, healthcare and welfare schemes in Korba district.
As part of this initiative, the district administration has intensified efforts to ensure healthcare services reach Birhor settlements, many of which are located in remote forested areas. The Birhor community, which traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle and depended on forest-based livelihoods, is gradually adapting to changing social and economic conditions.
Health camps have been organised in Birhor habitations, where doctors and health workers are providing medical treatment while also spreading awareness about preventive healthcare. Korba Collector Ajeet Vasant said these camps are part of a focused effort to address long-standing gaps in healthcare access for PVTG communities.
‘To promote health facilities in PVTG communities, camps are being organised in their settlements. Health centres in their areas monitor them regularly. Pregnant women and malnourished children are brought in for antenatal care. Pregnant women receive regular ANC check-ups. For children who show talent in sports, a sports academy is being run through CSR funds,’ the Collector said.
He added that under the guidance of the state government, the district administration is giving special attention to the issues faced by women and children in the Birhor community, while also working to nurture their talents and improve overall living conditions.
The Collector further said that PVTG communities have responded positively to initiatives in education and health. ‘Several social workers have done commendable work in helping them access government schemes and increasing awareness. The community is now benefiting from schemes such as Mahtari Vandan, PM Janman and the Ayushman Card. Their children are attending school and availing the benefits of almost all government schemes,’ he said.
Korba’s Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr Dileshwar Singh, said health camps are being organised in every block, with a special focus on backward tribal groups such as the Birhor, who often do not reside permanently in one location and therefore face difficulties accessing primary healthcare.
‘For such communities, we go from village to village and organise health camps. In the interest of the Birhor population, we have set up a camp in Donganala, where free medical services are provided to PVTGs,’ he said, adding that the central government is also extending special support by supplying medicines free of cost.
Members of the Birhor community said regular visits by healthcare teams have made a significant difference. PVTG member Chandrika Birhor said doctors visit their settlement to provide medicines and conduct health camps. ‘They give medicines for cough, fever, cold and other ailments. Doctors, nurses and Mitanins examine us and treat whatever problems we report,’ she said.
Another community member, Makhan, said doctors now hold camps in their area every week. ‘Earlier, we did not pay much attention to hospitals and deliveries used to take place at home. Now deliveries are happening in hospitals. All the deliveries have gone well, and everyone is healthy,’ he said.
(ANI)