Malkangiri, August 3: In a proud moment for Odisha, Durga Prasad Sahu, a male health worker posted at the Andrahal Sub-Centre under Khairput Community Health Centre (CHC) in Malkangiri district, has received a prestigious invitation from the President of India in recognition of his 13 years of dedicated service in the healthcare sector.

The invitation to attend the Presidential reception and dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan was delivered to Sahu by Balimela Postal Inspector Dilip Kumar Bagati and postman Birendra Khara. He has been invited to participate in the Independence Day celebrations at the Cultural Centre of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on August 15 at 6 pm.

The honour recognises Sahu's unwavering commitment to providing healthcare services in one of Odisha's most remote and underserved tribal regions. Serving at the Andrahal Sub-Centre for the past 13 years, he has been delivering essential healthcare to nearly 4,329 members of the Bonda tribal community despite the absence of proper transport connectivity and a permanent sub-centre building.

Located in the aspirational Khairput block, the Andrahal Sub-Centre caters to a difficult-to-reach population. Along with his colleagues, Sahu has regularly travelled on foot to remote villages to create awareness about diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and dengue, while ensuring the delivery of essential health services to the tribal population.

Following the announcement, Khairput Block Public Health Officer Dr Sambit Kumar Das and the staff of the Community Health Centre congratulated Sahu on receiving the rare distinction.

As part of the Independence Day programme, Sahu will have the opportunity to interact with President Droupadi Murmu and attend the official Presidential banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Local residents and health officials described the invitation as a matter of immense pride not only for Khairput but for the entire Malkangiri district, calling it a fitting recognition of Sahu's dedication, perseverance and selfless service in one of the state's most challenging healthcare landscapes.

"I am blessed and thankful to President Droupadi Murmu for inviting an ordinary person like me. It is a matter of immense pride. I have been serving the people of this region for the last 13 years. Healthcare facilities are located far from these villages, and there is hardly any road connectivity," he said.

Recalling the challenges he faced during his early years of service, Sahu said the tribal communities initially had little faith in modern healthcare and relied largely on village quacks and traditional healers.

"It took a long time to earn their trust and convince them to undergo proper medical tests and treatment. Today, most people approach us for healthcare services, which gives me immense satisfaction. I would also like to thank the ASHA workers, whose support has been instrumental in spreading awareness and encouraging people to seek timely treatment," he added.

Khairput Block Public Health Officer Dr. Sandeep Dash described the Presidential invitation as a proud moment for the entire district.

"It is a matter of great pride that Durga Prasad Sahu has been invited by the President of India. He has been working under extremely challenging conditions to provide healthcare services to nearly 4,000 members of the Bonda tribal community. Despite the absence of a health sub-centre and limited infrastructure, he has been carrying out screening and follow-up for diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, diabetes and cancer, while ensuring access to essential healthcare services in one of the most inaccessible parts of Malkangiri," Dr. Dash said.