Koraput: In recognition of his exceptional contribution to healthcare delivery in one of Odisha’s most inaccessible tribal regions, Durga Prasad Sahu (43), a health worker posted at the Andrahal health sub-centre under Khairaput block in Malkangiri district, has been invited by President of India to attend the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, where he will be honoured for his dedicated service in the remote Bonda Hills.Sahu from Mudulipada in Malkangiri district joined govt service in 2013 and began his career at the Andrahal health sub-centre serving the Bonda Hills, home to the Bondas, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). At the time, the region had little road connectivity and the tribal community largely relied on traditional healers, making access to modern healthcare an uphill task.Recalling the early days of his service, Sahu said reaching patients was often more challenging than treating them. “When I joined in 2013, there were no roads to most villages in the Bonda Hills. We had to trek several kilometres through forests and hills to reach patients. Even today, three to four villages remain without road connectivity. Malaria and tuberculosis are the most common diseases in the area, and because many people find it difficult to reach the Khairput CHC, I ensure that not a single patient in these remote villages is left unattended,” Sahu said.Over the years, Sahu and his team carried out sustained awareness campaigns, conducted regular door-to-door health visits and patiently worked to dispel misconceptions about modern medicine. Their consistent engagement gradually won the confidence of the Bonda community, encouraging people who once depended solely on traditional healing practices to seek treatment at govt health facilities.Health officials said the transformation has resulted in a sharp increase in institutional deliveries and a significant decline in cases of malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy and several non-communicable diseases across the region. Health workers now routinely travel to remote hamlets to provide doorstep medical services, ensuring timely treatment for patients who cannot reach health centres.Expressing gratitude for the national recognition, Sahu dedicated the honour to the people of the Bonda Hills. “This recognition belongs not only to me but to the people of the Bonda Hills who trusted us and embraced modern healthcare. I am grateful to my family, my colleagues and the local residents for their unwavering support. It is a great honour to receive this invitation from the Hon’ble President, and it motivates me to continue serving people living in the most remote areas,” he said.Medical officer of CHC (Khairaput) Sambit Kumar Das, who has worked closely with Sahu, said the recognition was a tribute to years of unwavering commitment under extremely challenging conditions.“Sahu’s greatest achievement is not just treating patients but earning the confidence of one of the country’s most isolated tribal communities. He has never hesitated to trek for hours to reach remote villages, ensure institutional deliveries and provide uninterrupted care even in difficult circumstances. His dedication has significantly improved healthcare indicators in the Bonda Hills, and this honour from the President is a well-deserved recognition of his selfless service,” said Das.
