Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE)
Health Care and Diagnostics in Rural India
Reports indicate that 2.1% of India’s GDP was spent on healthcare in 2022, rising from 1.8 per cent in 2020-21 in and 1.3 per cent in 2019-20. The ownership and spread of health care services is skewed with over 70% of healthcare services in the country being privately owned and often beyond the reach for the vast majority. Further, 80% of the medical workforce is concentrated in the top 8-10 cities and serves only 28% of the total population. Health insurance coverage is yet to take root in the households with no formal employment.
The last mile therefore remains unserved to this date though digital and telephone based advisory services are being developed. These could eventually greatly improve the access to timely support. Despite such hope, they remain mainly on paper as of now.
Within this big picture, the need to improve access to simple testing and diagnostic services is well-recognised in principle. WHO has published an essential diagnostics list and the Indian government is in the process of adapting the list for India.
At the primary care level, general tests in the list include urine dipstick, complete blood count, hemolobin, glucose, and microscopy. Disease-specific tests include tests for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. The national government has recently announced a free diagnostics service initiative under the National Health Mission to make some tests freely available.
Critical Need for Simple Door-step Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis and regular monitoring and localized diagnostic services are critical for better primary health care. The availability of these services within the community or village will make a life or death difference in emergencies. It will go a long way to help those with chronic conditions. The recognition of this need and the possibility of converting this into an opportunity for entrepreneurial women has led to the formulation of the Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE) Program. Plustrust and Bahaar Foundation have come together to address this specific gap with the pilot batch of Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE). 21 young women have been selected and trained to serve their immediate community in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with doorstep diagnostic services.
Based on the benefit experienced from this batch we are working to spread the programme in four states. Through this program, we have identified and built skills for this new home-based self-employment option for rural women. As the availability of digital health services and affordable testing devices increases, we anticipate that these women will be ready to step into these new opportunities to serve their community.
At Plustrust, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status. That’s why in 2022 we’ve launched the Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE) Program. This initiative aims to bridge the critical gap in healthcare access in rural India by training and empowering local women to become agents of change in their communities.
Year 2022: Pilot Phase
In 2022, we embarked on our journey with the CHE Program, focusing on a pilot phase in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Here are some highlights:
We carefully selected and trained 21 young women to serve as Community Health Entrepreneurs.
Our comprehensive training covered vital healthcare topics, including vital signs, menstrual hygiene, first aid, chronic disease management, and basic life support.
CHEs began offering diagnostic tests in the community, addressing crucial health needs such as urine dipstick, complete blood count, hemoglobin, glucose, and microscopy.
The initial results were promising, with each CHE seeing an average of 58 patients and earning an average of Rs. 1800 in the first three months.
Year 2023: Comprehensive Expansion
Building on the success of our pilot phase, we expanded the CHE Program in 2023 to enhance healthcare access and quality further. Here’s what we accomplished:
We partnered with Spotsense and Stepone to integrate rapid testing for communicable and seasonal diseases and teleconsultation support.
CHEs expanded their testing capabilities to include height, weight, SpO2, temperature, hemoglobin count, blood sugar, blood pressure, and various communicable diseases.
Collaboration with renowned doctors facilitated comprehensive patient information recording and teleconsultations, ensuring holistic care delivery.
New CHE fellowships were introduced in additional regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Muzaffarpur district, Udaipur, and Banswara, amplifying our program’s impact.
Year 2024: Continued Growth and Impact
As we move into 2024, our commitment to improving healthcare delivery in rural India remains steadfast. Here’s what we’re focusing on:
Ongoing training and support for CHEs in advanced testing devices, diseases, and medical modules.
Expansion of teleconsultation facilities and partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care delivery.
Continued emphasis on community engagement and empowerment, with CHEs serving as catalysts for positive change.
Innovation, collaboration, and technology integration will continue to drive our efforts to address evolving healthcare needs and challenges.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to join us in our mission to empower communities and improve healthcare access for all through the Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE) Program. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions across rural India. Thank you for your support.