Technology to the Rescue: App Helps Health Workers in Uttarakhand Improve Efficiency

January 18, 2017In India, one state is vigorously testing how mSakhi can help frontline health workers better serve its most challenging district.As the election dates have just been declared for Uttarakhand along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur, this is as good a time as any to shine a spotlight on an exciting initiative Uttarakhand has embarked on.A new state formed in 2000 (which is fairly young in the Indian federal scheme of things), and its challenges are unique. From limited revenue sources (tourism, its mainstay, has taken a hit since the 2013 flash floods; hence it is dependent on central assistance massively) to a hilly terrain and lack of trained personnel, the state has many hurdles.Human Resource Challenges in HealthIn the case of health care, the challenges get amplified considering the human resources in health shortage has reached crisis levels pan India. A re-analysis of District Level Health Survey (DLHS-4) data done by IndiaSpend  recently found health facilities are fewer than required, which means that the actual shortfall in personnel is much higher.Their other findings:In 30% of India ’s districts, sub-centres with auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) serve double the patients they are meant to.As many as 65% of hospitals serve more patients than government norms mandate; the number rises to 95% if we include hospitals with a gynaecologist on staff.Almost 80% of all public hospitals serve twice the number of patients that government standard...

Source: IntraHealth International - January 13, 2017 Category: Global & Universal Authors: intrahealth Source Type: news