Malkangiri, 31/3/26: District level Asha, village welfare committee, public welfare committee and women’s welfare committee conference for the year 2025-26 has been held at local culture building. Presided over by District Council Chairperson Samari Tangulu, awards were given in various categories for outstanding contribution in the field of health care. Many senior health officials including Additional District Magistrate Somnath Pradhan, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer Dasarathi Sarabu, District Chief Medical and Public Health Officer Dr. Dolamani Pradhan were present as guests of honor on the occasion. Dr. Durga Prasad Raj, Infectious Diseases Specialist presided over the entire programme. Workers and organizations who have played a leading role in bringing healthcare to the grassroots level were felicitated here. Puspalata Kawasi of Korukonda block won the first place at the district level and got a prize of Rs. 10,000, while Kavitha Pakulu of Malkangari got the second place and Basant Manjari Bhanj and Gurbari Sarabu jointly got the third place. Various Ayushman Gharaya temples of Korukonda, Khairput, Kalimela, Padhya, Malkangiri and Mathil blocks were given prizes of Rs. 13,000 each. The 7 best teams of different blocks have been awarded with Rs. The guests present in their speech praised the role of these health warriors in reducing the child and maternal mortality rate in rural areas and bringing the government health schemes to the doorsteps. It is hoped that the conference will help boost their morale.