Workshop on ‘Right to Health and the Role of NRHM’

Objective

The purpose of the workshop was to highlight the issues of poor health delivery system in the state especially in Garhwa and Palamau region. In this concern a cycle rally was also organized from Garhwa to Ranchi to highlight the plight of the poor in the region. Raising health issue through 18 points agenda concerning the right to health and the governance system of the region was also one of the main purposes of the workshop along with an awareness campaign on the delivery system at the village level.

Activities

The workshop began with a welcome song presented by the CR team –Ranchi and lighting the lamp by the Civil Surgeon who was the Chief Guest during this occasion. The details of the program are as follows.
       Mr. Lakshman Yadav informed about the objective, activities and experience sharing about the state level cycle rally from Garhwa to Ranchi (18th –23rd July). The details of the 18 points demand was highlighted during this occasion.
       Dr. Syam Sundar Singh, Civil Surgeon- Ranchi –provided the information about the following services given by the District, PHC and Sub centers levels like Leprosy, Revised National TB Control Program, Malaria, Filaria, Family Planning Scheme, Oriental   Insurance scheme in the death of Family Planning Operation, Immunization, Urban Program, Janani Sishu Swasthya Yogna (JSY), Cancer, Nutrition, Importance of Green Vegetables, Recruitment and Duties of the Health Service Providers, Revolving Fund, United fund.
        Dr. Subeer, State NGO Coordinator-Health and Family Welfare-appreciated 18 points demand mentioned in the Demand Letter and advised us to continue this movement for the awareness of the community so that they come forward to take services. He stressed the need for awaring the community about the services being provided. He gave a presentation about the goal of RCH II, family planning (situation analysis in Jharkhand), NSV activities (training service providers, mega training camps through PPP and to develop area and culture specific IEC and BCC activities). He stressed on the need for community mobilization to enhance the acceptance of family planning method and strengthen the quality services through effective supportive supervision from the developmental partners and industrial houses.
        Dr.V.P.Sharma, Advisor –USAID presented a report on the data of the promises made by the Jharkhand government and the exact position as of date regarding the health infrastructure and services available in the state.
       Mr. Sujeet Ranjan, State Representative, CARE– Jharkhand agreed to join hand with this movement of raising heath issues by the people and appreciate the cycle team for the same. He concentrated on nutrition, safe drinking water and cleanliness.
        Sr.Prabha, People’s Health Movement-Jharkhand discussed about the establishment of Village Health Committee and join hand with AID for the same. She expressed her keen interest in partnering with the community radio project of AID for raising the issues of health and socio-economic plight of the rural poor and tribals.
        Mr. Kaushik Saikia, Program Officer – PFI (Jharkhand) discussed about the community participation and monitoring, making of village health and sanitation team, selection of Sahaiya and Citizen’s Charter under the NRHM and promised to make partnership with AID after launching of Youth Policy in Jharkhand.
        Mrs.Champa Tigga, Program Officer-AFPRO, focused on the integrated program of health, livelihood, education, water and sanitation.
        Mr.K.Bara, State Representative - CARITAS concentrated on awareness generation and Right to Health as human rights.
         Ms. Asha Dhan, Women’s Help Line discussed about the corruption and violence against the women

Some of the recommendations for proper implementation of NRHM made during the workshop were:

• Home childbirth should also be supported & improved with adequate referral system

• Strengthening of institutions

• Incorporate positive traditional practices & removing harmful practices

• Verbal autopsies of maternal deaths

• Strengthen availability of contraceptive choices & safe MTP services

• Malaria Prophylaxis of pregnant mothers & strengthening of NMP

• Travel component should be flexible

• State Borders should not come in the way of disbursement of JSY incentive

• Maternal health insurance, the insurance money in case of death goes to surviving children

• Public dissemination of entitlements under concrete service guarantees

• Rs 200 bonus should be given to any women accompanying the pregnant woman

Conclusion from the workshop

It was decided to draw plan of action on the following:

• Evidence sharing & building to take place among the service providers.

• E-group formation

• Review of local, national & international evidence, we have to be collating the evidence

• Coalition building: Listing of individuals & NGO’s who have interest in safe motherhood.

•  Environment building through media involvement, Community Radio and CSC Project.

• Public Meeting.