11-Aug-2023

Bhubaneswar(PR) The Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), Civic Action Arm of M/s IMFA Ltd has today expanded of its reach through Kanya Express, a mobile health unit on wheel with an innovative approach at micro level aimed at addressing anemia among adolescent girls. Launching of this programme is replicated in Therubali based on the outcome of the programme already implemented since 2021 in Cuttack & Jajpur districts in Odisha as a support to Government Anemia Mukta Bharat (AMB) initiative benefited 9977 girls spread over to 158 villages. The Kanya Express will cover 92 villages across 9 peripheral Gram Panchayats of Therubali area in Rayagada district and serves as a crucial tool in combating anemia among adolescent girls. The components of this  programme includes  regular checking of hemoglobin level, facilitation of distribution of Iron Folic Acid supplements and De-worming tablets in convergence mode, awareness generation among girls on nutrition supplementation, personal hygiene practices, reproductive and personal rights, and responsible health-seeking behavior change and communication and provision of seeds kits for backyard kitchen garden ensuring access to bio-nutrition.
The launching ceremony was graced by Sri bhimasen Sabaro, Sub-Collector,Rayagada  as chief guest and flagged off the KANYA EXPRESS. .Govt Officials from district and block level such as Sri.Goura Chandra Pattanayak,OAS,BDO,Kolonara, Sri.Lal Mohan Routes,CDMO,Rayagada, Smt.BijayLaxmi Sahu ,CDPO, Kolonara were present in the launching ceremony as honorable guests.
Ms. Shaifalika Panda, CEO of BIPF, has expressed her happiness on expansion of reach of Kanya Express in Therubali area after successful implementation of the programme and it’s positive impact on adolescent girls in Cuttack, and  JajpurDistrict. Enhancing awareness among adolescent girls on anemia -related illnesses, balanced nutrition, and reproductive rights can lead to benefits beyond health as it can also improve enrolment for higher education and continuity of education leading to a productive future.” 
Till date BIPF has  touched  lives of more than 21 lakhs beneficiaries and hoped that it  can lead to benefits beyond health i.e. increase in enrolment for higher education and continuity of education leading to a productive future.” The sub-collector has highly appreciated the Kanya Express program and requested the management to extend the program throughout the district in a phased manner.The CDMO expressed his happiness that KE will strengthen their intervention in rural area. 
The Sarapanch, Samiti Members of Peripheral GPs, eminent persons, Opinion Makers, Social Workers and  Sri M.Srinivas GM, Sri.Kalol Kumar Nayak,DGM and Dr.P.K.Kar, Medical Officer of IMFA has witnessed the programme. Sri Shakti Prasad Panigrahi, Sr.Manager (PR), IMFA, Therubali extended a warm welcome to the guests and the participants. Sri Nilendu Chattejee, DGM, BIPF and Team under the leadership of Sri.Prabhakar Panda  has briefed the audience on Kanya Express initiative. BIPF Team and staff of Administrative department has coordinated the programme nicely.