Saturday, December 15, 2012

CMAI aims to improve access to public health care services under NRHM


CMAI aims to improve access to public health care services under NRHM
With an aim to improve access to public health care services for rural communities in Odisha under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and to mobilize the communities, community institutions and forums through effective and participatory communication, Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), a National Health NGO, has initiated the project called “Participatory Communication Initiative for Improving access to public health care services for rural communities in India” .

CMAI had implemented this project in 2009 in the 10 districts e.g; Ganjam, Keonjhar, Koraput, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Rayagada and Balasore in Odisha through the NGOs BISWA, PRAKALPA, SEBA JAGAT, CARD, ASHA KIRAN SOCIETY, SHAKTI, BASK, SEWA, SEWAK AND PRAVA. At present, CMAI is working  with NGOs at grass root level to mobilize the Gaon Kalyan Samiti (GKS) and other community development centres in co-operation with CDMOs and DPMs in the respective districts in consultation with NRHM,  so that  the efforts put in by NHRM is sustained and people in rural area get access to public health care services without facing any difficulties.  This is done with the help of participatory communication tools which promote dialogue between community and government health departments at all levels.

This project is part of the CMAI’s NRHM initiative and the project is implemented in 40 districts of Seven states like Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamilnadu & Karnataka.
This dissemination workshop was organized by CMAI-Orissa with the support of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to share about this CMAI project, process, learning, tools and to receive inputs from stakeholders for further strengthening of the process and integrating with NRHM in different areas.
60 delegates from 10 districts of Orissa including NRHM Mission Directorate, ASHAs, Health workers, panchayat members, CDMOs, DPMs, representatives of leading organizations like DFID, OVHA, UNICEF, JSA, SDC, UNFPA, TMST and PPP NGOs participated in the participatory communication programme.

Dr. Bimal Charls, General Secretary, CMAI highlighted the work of CMAI and its commitment towards public health & policy advocacy on health in different states and national level. Dr. Priya John, HOD, Community Health, CMAI shared her view on CHIN project.
Mr. Mritunjoy Nayak, Progamme Manager, CMAI-Orissa presented different initiatives taken to ensure participation of every stakeholder in accessing public health care under NRHM. Dr. D K Panda, Team leader, State Research Centre, NRHM and Prof. Bijayani Panda, Director, SHFW who were present in this state level seminar had applauded the efforts taken by CMAI in capacity building of different stakeholders at grass root level in rural area in last 3 years.

NHRM was launched by government of India in 12th April 2005 with an objective of reaching out each people and providing health services in rural area. CMAI also works closely with various government bodies like NRHM, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals.
 
About CMAI:

The Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) was established in 1905. It has over 330 hospital members including CMC Vellore,  CMC Ludhiana, St Stephens Delhi and MOSC Medical College Kolencherry. It has carried out pioneer work in several areas, and is currently involved is working in over 20 states in tuberculosis, malaria, HIV & AIDS, substance abuse, palliative care, Diabetes, etc. CMAI also offers accredited, quality and affordable professional health education. It is the only NGO authorized by the Indian Nursing Council to accredit nursing education all over India. It offers accredited paramedical courses at over 85 centres including 6 medical colleges, and has established the CMAI Chair of Health Sciences at IGNOU.