National Rural Health Mission envisages the community to take leadership at local level, related to health and its related issues. It will be possible only when the community is sufficiently empowered to take leadership in health matters. Clearly, it requires involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the management of the health system. This could be possible if a committee is formed in each village under the chairmanship of Gram Panchayat member and representative from the community, other members of the committee are ANM, Anganwadi Worker, representative from NGO, SHG, MSS in year 2011-2012.
Village Health and sanitation Committees has facilitated in addressing the health needs of the entire village with the help of health providers and health institutions. VHSC played an important role in planning and monitoring of the health care services through community monitoring mechanism.
CUTS Centre for Human Development with the support of Department of Health and Family Welfare; Government of Rajasthan organized Village Health & Sanitation Committees (VHSC) trainings in two districts (Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh) of Rajasthan. Trainings were organized for raising awareness at grassroots level about available health services and entitlements; develop a Village Health Plan based on an assessment of the situation and priorities of the community; maintain a village health register and health information board and calendar; analyzed key issues and problems pertaining to village level health and nutrition activities and provide feedback to relevant functionaries and officials.
Training’s objectives
- Developing VHSC as strong vibrant group at village level.
- Developing understanding on Health Issues.
- Empowering the VHSC members.
- Strengthen the group to work.
Subjects were covered during trainings:
- Brief about NRHM.
- Health services and service providers.
- VHSC formation, process and role.
- Monthly meetings of VHSCs.
- Monitoring and advocacy of health services.
- Availability and utility of untied funds.
- Village health plan.
- Healthy and happy village.
- Happy mother and happy child.
- Healthy family and happy family.
Achievements
Quantitative:
- 1540 VHSCs were trained in 11 blocks of Chittorgarh district and 827 VHSCs trained in 5 blocks of Pratapgarh district
- 8220 person trained in 199 batches trainings at 11 blocks of Chittorgarh and 4838 person trained in 108 batches at 5 blocks of Pratapgarh district
- Increased community participation in developing village health plan.
- Start process of proper utilization of untied funds.
- Increased awareness in community about health and sanitation as well initiative for happy village.
- Generate demand of health care services and improved accessibility of health services.
Qualitative