Malda, July 9 -- The tireless efforts of the Manikchak Block Health Department in ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services during two consecutive years of devastating floods have received international recognition. The work of the health team has been featured in the Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, published by the International Organisation of Scientific Research (IOSR), bringing pride to healthcare workers across the block.

Large parts of Manikchak block, particularly the flood-prone Bhutni Diara region, were inundated during the floods of 2024 and 2025. More than one lakh residents were affected as rising waters cut off villages, damaged infrastructure and disrupted normal life. Despite adverse conditions, doctors, nurses, health assistants, ASHA workers and other frontline staff continued to provide essential medical services to marooned communities.

Travelling by boat and through difficult terrain, health teams conducted medical camps, distributed medicines, monitored pregnant women, vaccinated children, treated water-borne diseases and ensured emergency referrals whenever required. Their commitment helped maintain healthcare access even in some of the most inaccessible flood-hit areas.

The remarkable humanitarian response has now been documented in an international scientific journal, highlighting the Manikchak model as an example of effective healthcare delivery during natural disasters. The publication has been welcomed as a significant acknowledgement of the dedication shown by the block's healthcare workers.

Dr Abhik Shankar Kumar expressed his happiness over the recognition and said, "This honour belongs to every member of the Manikchak Block Health Department. Our teams worked relentlessly during the floods, often risking their own safety to ensure that no patient was deprived of medical care. The international recognition is a tribute to their dedication and teamwork and may be adopted as a model."

Health workers also described the publication as a morale booster. Serving people during the floods was their duty and receiving recognition at the international level is a motivation for the team to continue working with the same commitment in future emergencies, the members of the team expressed.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.