The first new-born in the Somagiri “Tribal Health Centre”

The remaining equipment was delivered in March and personnel employed.  Finally, during the visit of Usthi Foundation founder Kurt Burki in April, the maternity ward was officially opened for business by the District Collector and the District Medical Officer.

A few days later, the first infants were delivered in the Tribal Health Centre.  With this inauguration, the Tribal Health Centre is now officially working within the Odisha State Health System. Experts from the Usthi Hospital and the Bhubaneswar Research Centre monitor and supervise administrative processes, regarding cooperation with the authorities. Integration into the public health system means that operations are now co-financed by the state.

This close association with the State has meant that co-operation with our local partners has had to be redefined.  With two new, young and competent executives carrying responsibility both for the Tribal Health Centre and the Health and Education Project (HEP), we are equipped and open for whatever the future may hold.

Besprechung des Abfallmanagements am Strand von Penthakata

Handover of Waste Management to the City of Puri

With a formal handover ceremony, the City of Puri has taken over responsibility for the operation and financing of waste management in the Penthakata settlement from Usthi. Usthi remains committed to integrating this topic into the surrounding schools. The new video shows where the waste management project starts – and why. One of Usthi’s schools […]

Sturzflut in Nepal

Flash Flood in Nepal

On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, a devastating flash flood caused widespread destruction in Nepal, north-west of Kathmandu, along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Lives were lost and many people remain missing. Homes, roads and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving families without their livelihoods. Usthi is deeply saddened by the devastating events. Our thoughts are […]

der neue Schulbus an der Penthakata Schule

New school bus in Penthakata

The first test drive caused great excitement among the children at Penthakata School. Since July, the new school bus – made possible by the generous donation of an Indian supporter – has been in regular use. Every morning, the children from the informal fishing settlement on the outskirts of the city make their way to […]