Raigarh Ambikapur Health Association (RAHA)

Raigarh Ambikapur Health Association (RAHA) works to deliver essential healthcare services across remote, underserved communities. It focuses its efforts on the rural poor and tribal populations within its operational regions. RAHA's core objective is to increase access to affordable, effective, and high-quality health care, encompassing preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services. The aim is to reduce the avoidable burden of disease, mortality, and disability, ensuring that lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes receive special attention.

Major Interventions:

Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Management: Selected Rural Health Centre staff receive specialized training to manage and address conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Staff identify patients and refer them for advanced treatment, when necessary, often enrolling them into the Community Health Promotion Scheme (CHPS). They promote a holistic care model by using local herbal medicines for minor health issues and advocating for minimal use of allopathic drugs. The use of telemedicine also helps health staff reach and consult with patients who live in remote areas.

Community-Based Health Education: The NGO places great emphasis on health education across the villages. This awareness component covers seasonal diseases, promotes mental health, highlights the importance of exercise and yoga, and discusses the effects of climate change on human and planetary health. RAHA ensures communities receive up-to-date information on preventative measures and general wellness.

Sustainable Farming: RAHA guides communities in establishing kitchen gardens and implementing organic farming practices, ensuring local families have access to improved dietary products and promoting food security. This initiative ties directly into the goal of preventing lifestyle-related diseases through diet.

Specialized Care and Rehabilitation: RAHA extends its support to individuals with disabilities by providing crucial assistance for children and young adults, helping them achieve greater inclusion and self-reliance within their communities. It ensures these vulnerable populations receive consistent and tailored care to improve their quality of life.