Voluntary Health Association Of Sikkim

The Health on Wheels (HoW) initiative, launched by the Inclusive India Foundation and financially supported by the Glenmark Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing primary health facilities and awareness in six villages of East Sikkim. This three-year project, commencing in July 2016, addresses the critical issue of insufficient access to health services for a population of 20,000 in these communities. The project's primary objectives encompass disease control, improved healthcare accessibility, community awareness, health education, reproductive health care, child immunization, health and sanitation initiatives, emergency transportation services, and collaborative partnerships with Government programmes. Through these multifaceted efforts, the HoW project endeavours to make a lasting impact on the overall health and well-being of the targeted population.

The Village Health and Sanitation project has expanded its reach to the Budang-Kameray Gram Panchayat Unit in Duga Block, East Sikkim, introducing a new initiative called the PAKA project. The name "PA" symbolizes Pachak, and "KA" represents Kameray, indicating the initial emphasis on these two villages. The PAKA project encompasses key components such as Reproductive & Child Health, Women Empowerment & Development, Household Sanitation, and an Income Generation Programme. The Income Generation Programme includes training for the sustainability of Self Help Groups, support for the construction of sanitary toilets, assistance for ginger farming, and backing for piggery. This holistic approach reflects the PAKA project's commitment to comprehensive community health and development, covering various aspects such as health, sanitation, women's empowerment, and economic development in the newly targeted area of Budang-Kameray in East Sikkim.

The Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim, through its Social Audit Unit, undertook the responsibility of conducting a Pilot Social Audit for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) under the authority of the Social Justice, Empowerment, and Welfare Department of the Government of Sikkim. The focus of the audit was on beneficiaries receiving pensions and allowances from various schemes within the Central Pandam Gram Panchayat Unit and Rangpo Nagar Panchayat ward. The audit strictly adhered to the guidelines outlined by the National Social Assistance Programme. Noteworthy schemes included in the audit comprised the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Subsistence Allowance (State Innovation Scheme), and the Unmarried Women Pension Scheme (State Innovative Scheme).