On June 30, 2025, Dr. Ageesh, MBBS, MD, Program Officer of PM JANMAN, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, conducted an awareness session for the staff at Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital, Wayanad. The session focused on educating the staff about various government benefit schemes available to the tribal community.

It was highlighted that many illiterate and economically disadvantaged tribal individuals residing in remote villages are unaware of the details and advantages of these government schemes. A significant number of them lack essential documentation, such as Aadhaar cards and Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, which are mandatory for the direct disbursement of government benefits and to prevent exploitation by intermediaries.

Due to time constraints, government officials often find it challenging to educate tribal beneficiaries about the available schemes and the necessary documentation required to access government assistance. Therefore, the Central Government has entrusted NGOs, institutions receiving ministry funds, and social workers with the responsibility of raising awareness among the tribal community regarding the procedures to avail themselves of government support, including housing, medical assistance, and social pensions for widows, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups.

Dr. Ageesh emphasized the urgent need to increase awareness among the tribal population. He appealed to tribal representatives, patients visiting the hospital, hospital staff, Amrita health workers, and social workers to actively assist tribal beneficiaries in applying for various government schemes through the appropriate authorities, such as Tribal Development Officers, Integrated Tribal Development Project Officers, or the District Collector. He further encouraged not only the submission of applications but also diligent follow-up to ensure that benefits are received directly into the beneficiaries’ own bank accounts.

As a majority of the staff at Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital are members of the tribal community, they are uniquely positioned to disseminate information about these schemes and services to disadvantaged individuals in their villages and surrounding areas.

By working together, we can contribute to the upliftment of marginalized tribal populations who are in need of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

At the conclusion of the session, the staff pledged their commitment to this cause in the presence of tribal patients, who expressed their appreciation for these efforts.