MEETING OF NGOs OF WESTERN SUBURB 6th August, 2005

Almost 80% of the communities in the area were covered. The garbage in these areas and the water logging has nearly cleared.

HEALTH
Issues:
- There is a Paucity of Health Services
- Dirth of Medical Supplies.
- Government Hospitals and Health Posts are already overstressed
- There are communities in which health camps have not yet been organized.
- Over dependence on Private Doctors, this leading to limited coverage.

Suggestions:
- BMC needs to scale up Health/Medical Camp Services.
- Medicines need to be made available immediately.
- Commissioner could appeal to Private Doctors and Practioners to come forth.
- UNICEF could coordinate with the NGO?  this reaching further.
- PROVISION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER.
- Midday Meals should be started in schools, especially in areas that were affected by the flood.
- Medical Camps to be started in Schools. This will give the community access to health camps, making it more organized. This could result in a good data base.


GRAIN DISTRIBUTION
Issues:
- Been a major area of confusion.
- Several communities have not yet received any relief. The list of the same has been faxed to the secretary, Relief and Rehabilitation.
- Distribution system is very chaotic.
(Trucks of Relief come into the community and it?  It's a show of MIGHT)
- Provisions are not commensurate with the community demand. This results almost in a MINI RIOT and in several communities results in anger and frustration.

Suggestions:
- All grain distribution to be run through the Ration Shops.
Distribution to be done through NGO Network. Coupons to be given to families and grain to be distributed from a designated spot.

TOP PRIORITY: to establish Normalcy.
If the grains are distributed through the existing PDA systems-it will preserve their dignity.

- Kerosene to be provided.
- All circulars regarding Provisions and Ration to be printed in all languages and made available at the Ration Shops. NGO? can help.


EDUCATION
Suggestions:
- Books to be given through SSA Funds on a priority basis.
- Rajiv Gandhi Insurance Yojana to be reactivated.
- In each of the wards, school mapping to be done and need assessment should be done with the help of the NGO?  A written circular to this effect to be given.
- Task Force for Education and Needs of Children to be created in collaboration with the BMC and the State Government.


Mrs. Farida Lambay
Vice Principal
College of Social Work
faridalambay@rediffmail.com
Aug 8, 2005