Under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme, ICAR –CIBA, Chennai has adopted three fishermen villages viz., Srinivasapuram, Mullikuppam and Mullimanagar located near CIBA headquarters in Chennai. This village cluster has about 4500 persons in 2000 households. These three villages are located on the creek, where Adyar River finally discharges water inflow into the Bay of Bengal. Villages were affected by rubbish and debris brought by flash floods that enveloped most of the parts of Chennai Metro from Dec 2nd to Dec 5th, 2015.
The villagers were also affected by mosquito menace that followed with garbage pileup around the locality. Issues such as dengue fever, diarrhoea, fungal skin infections and athlete’s foot were impending health hazards after the flood experienced by Chennai. As these villages are at the tail end of Adyar River the situation was acute. ICAR- CIBA along with doctors from Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital (SJSACH),Nazarathpet, Chennai, conducted a cleanliness campaign and medical camp in the villages on 10-12-2015. Dr. Ramdas Maganti, Principal, SJSACH deputed a medical team led by Dr P. A. Sudhir, Professor, Dr Usha Patil, Reader and Dr. Anita Patel, Reader along with a group of medical students of BAMS course of SJSACH for the camp. Dr. K.K.Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai briefed the assembly about the work of ICAR and CIBA and highlighted the importance of cleanliness in the villages to avoid infections and diseases.
He also assured the villagers all possible support from ICAR- CIBA for the upkeep of surroundings and health of the villagers. He requested the SJSACH to have a monthly medical visit programme with the support of ICAR – CIBA in these villages. He distributed Bleaching power, Sodium hypo chlorite liquid, garbage bins for use by villagers. Dr P.A.Sudhir Professor, SJSACH apprised the villagers about precautions to be taken in food intake and keeping the village surroundings clean.
He also indicated SJSACH will cooperate with ICAR – CIBA in its efforts. The meeting was followed by free medical consolations by SJSACH doctors to the villagers. Needy was also issued free Ayurveda medicines. All participants were given ‘Nilavembu kudineer’ made from a polyherbal formula that controls all types of fever and proven to have potent antiviral activity and healing effects of temperature regulation, inflammation control and body pain relief. The meeting was attended by about 400 villagers along with their panchayat leaders and office bearers, Women Self Help Group, eight member medical team from SJSACH and Heads and In Charges of Divisions and scientists from ICAR-CIBA, Chennai. Dr.P.Mahalakshmi, Nodal Scientist /in-charge of the MGMG programme for the village coordinated the event.
