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Savitri
Rural
Development
Project
(SRDP)
is managed by OJUS Medical Institute and started in 2003 to address
localised problems in rural areas of Nasik region, Maharastra State such as lack of water, lack of health facilities, poor
infrastructure, and increased rates of migration which is inherently linked to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
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Three component project working to a sustainable end
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The main objectives of the project are to:
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Provide health care facilities focused on:
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mother and child health.
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sanitation and hygiene.
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sexually transmitted disease and HIV testing and counselling.
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Raise awareness of health issues and produce educational materials on health.
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Liaise with other organisations in improving the income levels of these communities.
To deliver all these aspects to the community 21 local men
and women were trained as health workers and community development officers.
Health
The 21 health workers were trained for one year in various health orientated subjects such as:
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dehydration
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water purification
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pain and pain relief
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sanitation
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basic hygiene
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Pregnancy and child birth
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HIV/AIDS awareness
They provide this health service from door-to-door in their area and if there are
any severe cases they can then take to the SRDP doctor. Health awareness is taught through schools, training workshops and
meetings in temples or halls.
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Training of the rehydration solution
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Environment
The health workers have also been trained in a number of nationally recognised
environmental strategies to help improve their standard of living, these include:
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developing backyard gardens
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soak pits
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plantation
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water harvesting
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sanitation
Again the health workers go from door-to-door and try to encourage their neighbours to
adopt environmental initiatives to improve their area and their home.
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Dry well in April, they still have two months before the rain falls
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Economic Development
This area is prone to high rates of migration and especially seasonal migration. SRDP tries to find gaps in the market that
could be potentially filled. The local community are encouraged to start Self Help Groups to save small amount of money that can then
be used for small enterprise opportunities.
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