Introduction

ORISSA VOLUNTARY HEALTH ASSOCIATION is a secular, non-political and non-profit making oldest and largest federation of health NGOs registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860 (Act XXI) in the state of Orissa. It has been in operation since 1974. Being a federation, with its pre-defined goals and objectives OVHA is recognised as one of the apex organisations on health in Orissa. It act as a catalyst in the field of health and development. At one hand it establishes a congenial relation with the policy makers, planners, academicians etc. in order to strengthen the effort in improving the health status of people. On the other hand in close collaboration with Government, Regional, National, International bodies of similar types, it strengthens its activities. It operates from its headquarters at Bhubaneswar and caters its services to every nook and corner in the state Orissa with its member NGOs in dealing with issues related to Health and Development.

Historical Background

During early seventies, after World Health Organisation’s efforts, many developing countries came up with several approaches to ensure the effective delivery of primary health care to achieve the broad target of Health for All by 2000 AD. Community participation was emerged as a key to success in primary health care for which the importance of voluntary actions was also enhanced. Voluntary action got significant importance in promotive, curative and preventive aspects of health care. In India, Fr. James Tong started a movement to bring the voluntary organisations involved in community health and development activities to one network, which would base on secular values while working towards making health a reality for the people of India. As a result of Fr. Tong’s effort Co-coordinating Agency for Health Planning (CAHP) was formed in 1972 that was later on renamed as Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI). Likewise, in State level too, different State units were formed. Several leading health-NGOs and missionary hospitals put their efforts for the formulation of Orissa Voluntary Health Association (OVHA), which came into existence on 6th December 1974.