Koraput: The Koraput administration on Saturday organised a mega health camp at Narediwalsa, the last village bordering Andhra Pradesh, in Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block.Held amid tight administrative arrangements, the camp extended essential medical services to 286 villagers. A team of specialist doctors attended to patients across general medicine, paediatrics, ophthalmology and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Free medicines and diagnostic kits were also provided.According to official data, the camp recorded 92 paediatric, 87 ophthalmic, 72 general and 35 antenatal cases. A total of 194 individuals underwent NCD screening, while malaria testing was conducted using rapid diagnostic kits (RDK) in 112 cases. Tests confirmed two malaria cases.Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V said the initiative is part of a larger plan to organise weekly mega health camps in each of the 28 villages under Kotia panchayat. “Patients identified with serious conditions will be referred to nearby hospitals or the SLN Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment,” he said.To further strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Kotia, the administration has proposed establishing two additional sub-health centres, apart from the existing two at Kotia and Thuria, and a 10-bed hospital functioning in Kotia.“State govt’s move to boost welfare and healthcare services is a strong attempt to assert its governance and address local developmental needs,” said Ajay Pangi, a Kotia resident.“We welcome the initiative and urge the administration for regular health camps, improved road connectivity and sustained development interventions,” he added.The health outreach has strategic importance due to the long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the ownership of 21 out of 28 villages under Kotia panchayat.
