The Tribal Health Centre in Somagiri has a new chief physician. After more than 10 years of dedication to the disadvantaged population of the ‘Scheduled Tribes’, the former doctor retires and hands over his responsibilities to an experienced successor.

Since the 1980s, the hospital in rural Somagiri, a village in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, provides health care for the indigenous tribal areas of the Munda and Juang tribes. The hospital’s catchment area covers 133 villages. The ethnic and cultural diversity as well as the vastness of the area, characterise the work at the hospital, which bridges the gap between modern medicine and traditional treatments.

Dr. Mishra joined the hospital as the new chief physician in 2012. Since then, he had been taking care of his patients with great dedication. In addition to his duties at the hospital, he had also been visiting the surrounding villages every afternoon to conduct consultations. Usthi is most grateful for Dr. Mishra’s great commitment and loyalty over so many years and wishes him all the best for his retirement.

During a four-month transition period, Dr. Mishra handed over his duties and responsibilities as chief physician to his new, competent successor, Dr. Mohanta.

The new chief physician took up his job at the hospital with great motivation. Dr. Mohanta shows strong interest in visiting the indigenous villages. His knowledge of the state language Odiya and the local language Juang is particularly valuable for communicating with the local population. Moreover, Dr. Mohanta can draw on a lot of experience in conducting deliveries.

Being the first point of contact for medical care of the local people, Usthi has been eager to ensure a competently staffed continuation of the hospital. Usthi is looking forward to the collaboration with Dr. Mohanta and the team at the tribal health centre.