During her pregnancy with her fifth child, ASHA Anita Majhi, who had been mentored by Saksham team, identified Chanka as a high-risk case and worked tirelessly to encourage her to opt for an institutional delivery. While Chanka agreed to follow Anita’s advice her husband Sina Majhi was skeptical.
He was opposed to institutional delivery, influenced by the successful home births of their other children. When Chanka went into labor on April 12, 2023, Sina initially did not allow her to be transported to the Sikarpai Community Health Centre (CHC). After persistent persuasion from community members, Sina recognized the need for professional medical care and agreed to the institutional delivery.
At CHC Sikarpai, Chanka delivered a baby boy, who required urgent resuscitation at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Rayagada District. The efforts and actions of Saksham and the dedication of Frontline Workers like Anita Majhi ensured a healthy and successful delivery.
“The training sessions and appreciation of my efforts by my seniors and Saksham team members have boosted my confidence to do good work for the community. I have learnt to appreciate communities’ point of view and learned to keep my patience and continue to put in my best efforts.” Anita Majhi, ASHA worker