Rural Health and Research Unit to be Set up in Durg

The Chhattisgarh government has entered into an agreement with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Jabalpur to set up a model rural and health research unit for   prompt and effective diagnosis and treatment in tribal areas. ICMR Jabalpur Director Dr Aparup Das and secretary, health and family welfare department of the Chhattisgarh government Niharika Barik Singh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the health facility at the government hospital premises in Jheet village, Durg district. With the establishment of the research unit, extending timely medical services in rural areas will be now possible as it would be holding continuous research and provide early forecast regarding the diseases and also conduct surveillance, health department sources said.

The institute will also impart training to health department staff, laboratory technicians and para-medical staff. Besides, it will provide for early detection and timely intervention of epidemic such as malaria, dengue, and swine flu in rural and urban areas of Durg, Bhilai and Raipur. At present for vector-borne diseases, the collected samples from the area are sent to Jabalpur or other institutes of the country. After the establishment of the institute, the samples can be tested there, thus helping in early detection and treatment. The ICMR, Jabalpur will bear the establishment and maintenance cost of the research unit which will have scientists, medical scientists and technical staff. The ICMR, Jabalpur, is a 100 years old institution which has been conducting research on various health issues. – Daily Pioneer