The National Service Scheme (NSS), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and medical teams of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar jointly conducted a health and hygiene camp at the Argul High School in Haripur panchayat in Khordha district on Sunday.

Several people from Haripur, Podapada, Kansapada, Argul and other neighbouring villages attended the camp to get treatment for various ailments. Podapada, Argul and Kanspada are the villages adopted by the IIT BBS under the UBA scheme with a vision to make a positive difference to the quality of life of people residing in these villages.

IIT BBS Director Prof RV Raja Kumar said the HRD Ministry has embarked on a programme called UBA aimed at making use of the institutes like IITs, NITs, Central Universities and other institutions under the Ministry to adopt nearby villages and do technology and other interventions to help improving the quality of life in these villages.

“We have been carrying on several activities in these villages and the medical camp is also one of them. In this process we have also been able inculcate sensitivities towards social responsibilities amongst our students, which adds to the holistic nature of education being imparted at IIT Bhubaneswar. The response from the villages has also been very encouraging,” he added.

About 200 people attended the camp and were checked-up by doctors and based on their prescription free medicines were provided to the villagers. A First-aid kit box was also gifted to the Haripur panchayat Sarpanch.

The NSS students as part of their Extra Academic Activity (EAA) held a 'Cleaning Mission' at the neighbouring villages.