NANDURBAR, MAHARASHTRA (India CSR): In a landmark step towards transforming rural healthcare, the Zilla Parishad Nandurbar, in collaboration with the District Administration and Health Department has inaugurated a major Primary Health Centre (PHC) Strengthening Project on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Zilla Parishad premises.
The project is supported by BPCL and being implemented by EAGL Livelihood Foundation, a Section 8 not-for-profit organization committed to healthcare access, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive development. The initiative focuses on the Aspirational Akkalkuwa Block of Nandurbar district, identified under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme.
Addressing Critical Health Challenges
The project is focused on strengthening service delivery at 15 PHCs in Akkalkuwa Block through modern medical equipment, improving accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare for tribal communities in remote areas., improving key health indicators under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme, supporting achievement and maintenance of *National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable district development.
Akkalkuwa Block, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, faces significant healthcare challenges including difficult hilly terrain, poor road connectivity, scattered habitations, and limited access to quality medical services. These factors have historically contributed to lower utilization of health facilities, delayed care-seeking behaviour, and gaps in maternal and child health outcomes.
The strengthening of Primary Health Centres will directly address issues of accessibility by bringing modern diagnostic and treatment facilities closer to remote tribal villages, thereby reducing the need for long and arduous travel to higher-level facilities. It will also enhance affordability by improving the quality and range of free or subsidized services available at the grassroots level, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for the economically vulnerable population.
Health Indicators Validating the Intervention
According to NFHS-5 (2019-21) data and district-level analyses:
- In Nandurbar district, only 58% of women received antenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Institutional deliveries stood at 76% in Nandurbar (compared to the state average of 87%), with further challenges in remote tribal blocks like Akkalkuwa.
- Full ANC coverage (at least 4 ANC visits) in Nandurbar and other tribal-heavy districts was reported among the lower performing areas in Maharashtra (ranging 47-58% in similar districts).
- The district also shows higher burden of child undernutrition, with stunting rates in Nandurbar among the elevated ones in the state (in the range of 40-45% in comparable tribal districts).
These indicators highlight persistent gaps in early ANC registration, institutional deliveries, and quality of care — areas directly targeted under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme KPIs (including first-trimester ANC registration, percentage of institutional deliveries, reduction in low-birth-weight babies, and NQAS compliance).
The provision of essential medical equipment to 15 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Akkalkuwa Block is expected to significantly improve utilization of these facilities, enhance service quality, drive positive movement in the above indicators, and support the block’s progress under the Aspirational Blocks Programme while contributing to better health outcomes for the tribal population.
This convergence of efforts between the Zilla Parishad, District Administration, Health Department, and EAGL Livelihood Foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in remote tribal areas through coordinated collective, collaborative action and targeted resource support.
Shri. Naman Goyal, IAS, CEO of Zilla Parishad President &Mr Mukesh Muneshwar, Assistant Executive, CSR, CO, BPCL along with senior officials from the Health Department, representatives of EAGL Livelihood Foundation, and Medical Officers of PHC, have graced the inauguration ceremony.
Quotes
At the launch of the project, Shri. Naman Goyal, CEO of Zilla Parishad, Nandurbar said,“This collaboration with BPCL and EAGL Livelihood Foundation mark a significant milestone in our efforts to upgrade healthcare services in Akkalkuwa Block. The provision of medical equipment to 15 PHCs will greatly enhance our capacity to serve the tribal population with better diagnostics and treatment at the doorstep of remote villages. We are confident that this initiative will improve key NITI Aayog health indicators, achieve higher NQAS compliance, address long-standing accessibility challenges, and accelerate the overall progress of Nandurbar district.”
At BPCL, we believe that inclusive growth is critical for sustainability,” said the Ms Bina Mansukh, CSR Head of BPCL. “By revitalizing these 15 PHCs in Akkalkuwa, we are not just improving infrastructure; we are ensuring that the most marginalized sections of our society have access to the quality healthcare they deserve. This project is a testament to our dedication to the Aspirational Blocks Programme and our long-term vision for a healthier tribal community.”
Nilchandra Shende, Project Director, EAGL Livelihood Foundation said, “Strengthening healthcare in tribal regions is about more than just equipment; its about building resilient communities. True sustainable development thrives on collaboration. Together with BPCL and the District administration, we are turning gaps in infrastructure into gateways for affodable, quality healthcare in India’s underserved regions.”
The inauguration was followed by a brief program highlighting project details, expected impact on tribal healthcare, and a vote of thanks.
Date & Venue
April 28, 2026 | Zilla Parishad Hall, Nandurbar, Maharashtra
(India CSR)
