Duars Alternative Medical Research Institute

Their activities include:

• Health Programs: DAMRI focuses on providing handicapped materials to disabled persons. They organized a materials distribution camp at Alipurduar.  Ambulance services operate under Public Private Partnership (PPP) with support of District Health and Family Welfare Samity, Jalpaiguri. Services are provided free to pregnant mothers and infants. DAMRI organizes awareness on HIV/AIDS among adolescents and young people.
• Special School for Child Laborers: The organization operates three schools for children aged 9 to 14 years working in different jobs. Mid-day meals are provided at these schools. The program is supported by the National Child Labour Project (NCLP). Approximately 500 students were mainstreamed in FY16.
• Family Counselling Center (FCC): DAMRI provides counselling and rehabilitative services to women victims who are in mortal danger and to families who are affected by disputes and marital discord. They provide counselling, home visits and give legal support free of cost. Disputes of several families are mutually resolved through FCC’s intervention.
• Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Center: With support of the Central Social Welfare Board, DAMRI runs crèches and day care centers at Kalkut and Majherdabri for forest villagers’ children aged 5 years or less. The services provided include sleeping facilities, pre-primary education, healthcare, supplementary nutrition, and immunization. During the year, around 300 children were streamlined into Primary schools.
• Balwadi Center: A Balwadi Center for children aged 3-7 years is run at Alipurduar. The children are occupied with creative activities like drawing, painting, craft work, music, dance and games. Currently, there are 40 children at the center.
• Awareness Programs: DAMRI organizes various awareness and advocacy campaigns for school children and community members regarding adverse effects of pollution, deforestation, and use of plastic. They also organize training in vermin compost and kitchen gardening.