Sri Vijaya Puram, April 23: Efforts to address healthcare awareness gaps among the Onge Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) were undertaken in Little Andaman through a two-day outreach programme combining counselling sessions and an in-situ health camp.
The initiative was organised by the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with Primary Health Centre Hutbay and the Tribal Welfare Department on April 18 and 19, 2026. The programme focused on promoting preventive healthcare, hygiene awareness, and holistic wellness within the Onge community.
On April 18, an awareness and counselling session was conducted for 13 Onge students of Class XII at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Ramkrishnapur. The session aimed to strengthen awareness around health, hygiene, and the role of education, while also offering guidance and counselling support to students.
During the session, Medical Officer (Ayurveda) Vaishali delivered a detailed health talk highlighting the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and maintaining personal hygiene in daily life. The interaction was designed to encourage informed health choices and improve lifestyle practices among the students.
As part of the programme, Prakriti Parikshan and general health examinations were carried out for all participating students. These assessments were conducted to evaluate individual health conditions and constitution, providing a baseline for personalised healthcare awareness.
The outreach programme continued on April 19 with the organisation of an in-situ AYUSH Health Camp and awareness activities at Dugong Creek. A total of 56 members of the Onge community, including students and their family members, participated in the camp.
The health camp focused on preventive healthcare measures and the promotion of holistic wellness practices. Through on-ground engagement, the programme aimed to improve access to basic health services and strengthen awareness within the community about maintaining overall well-being.
The initiative reflects a targeted approach to reach vulnerable tribal populations with healthcare awareness and services, particularly in remote regions such as Little Andaman. By combining counselling, health assessments, and community outreach, the programme sought to address both immediate and long-term health awareness needs.
Officials involved in the programme indicated that such initiatives are intended to expand the reach of AYUSH-based healthcare interventions and improve engagement with tribal communities. The collaboration between health and tribal welfare departments enabled coordinated delivery of services within the community setting.
The two-day programme concluded with participation from students and families, marking a continued effort to promote preventive healthcare practices and awareness among the Onge PVTG in the region.
