The responsibility of protecting the natural heritage and wildlife of the state rests squarely on the frontline forest staff. There has been zero rhino poaching incidents since eight years at Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary due to the outstanding work of the forest staff.
It becomes imperative that they keep track of their health status while continuing to protect wildlife.
Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.com), a leading non-profit organisation of the region devoted to biodiversity conservation, organised a free health check-up and awareness camp at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary’s Range office, on 17th July to complement the work of these unsung heroes.
About 150 frontline workers, their families, and members of the local community attended the camp.They were provided with prescribed medications and diagnostic tests, including blood tests.
A number of senior doctors from the Indian Medical Association, Guwahati Branch, attended the camp, including Dr Pritom Borthakur, Dr Arati Deka, Dr Amal Dev Goswami, Dr Rajiv Sarma, Dr Dilip Sarma, and Dr Rupnayan Goswami.
Range Officer of the wildlife sanctuary, Mr.Nayan Jyoti Das provided efficient assistance invmanaging the health camp. The distribution of medications and blood tests were assisted by Arogyam’s Diju Roy, Sun Pharma’s Hemanta Sarma, and Satyoki Chakraborty.
With the support of Zoo Berlin and the Conservation and Research Fund (CRF), Aaranyak, was able to cover the expenses for medication in the camp, while the Indian Medical Association supported this joint effort by providing six expert doctors and other test kits.
