Kandhamal: Kandhamal district has won the national-level SKOCH Award (Silver) under the aspirational district category for the year 2020, informed Collector Dr Brundha D.
The district bagged the prestigious award for its innovative projects like Delivery Van, Bike Ambulance, and Janani Auto to improve maternal health, the collector added.
Notably, to encourage institutional delivery and avoid delivery on the way to hospitals, Kandhamal district administration had introduced delivery van, touted as the first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
The vehicle is equipped with all the necessary facilities for the delivery of a child. At least two staff nurses, attendants, and vehicle drivers along with essential drugs and consumables are stocked in the van to facilitate the delivery of a woman in an emergency situation.
Instituted in 2003, SKOCH Award is the highest civilian honour in the country conferred by an independent organisation.
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