Strategies to improve rural Healthcare by involving the local community through training, awareness and education

India’s rural health programs face several challenges that hinder their effectiveness.  Some of the prominent challenges are lack of Infrastructure, shortage of Healthcare Professionals, limited awareness of health education, and less accessibility to insurance schemes. Many rural residents in India face financial constraints, making it difficult for them to afford healthcare services or medication. This prevents them from seeking timely medical attention or adhering to prescribed treatment plans.

To solve these critical problems Mukti began working in the field of healthcare support by providing a range of services to the underprivileged members of the vast community of Sunderbans, including free physicians’ visits, medication, telemedicine, oxygen support and affordable ambulance services. Mukti’s recent healthcare program Swastha Shongini funded by the Kolkata Foundation focuses on preventive healthcare measures and the importance of early detection of diseases.

Swastha Shongini a comprehensive preventive health care program targeting rural communities is steered by eminent doctor, Dr. Kasturi Bakshi and led by Program Manager Ms. Sonamon Basu. The program is implemented in the field by 24 women who have been identified as “Swastha Shoginis”, trained by NGO CINI. The program focuses on raising awareness about sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, nutrition, and common diseases, medical camps by engaging local community leaders, Resource persons, Doctors and volunteers to ensure widespread dissemination of information.

As the program manager, I believe the initiative will have a significant impact on the community.

Working with rural populations presents some unique problems because they tend to be less literate and hold a variety of superstitions. Additionally, working with a rural population necessitates an understanding of its unique culture, beliefs, and way of life, which I am currently gaining and that is truly interesting.

However, I believe that this program has given the community a lot of optimism and hope, and in the future, MUKTIS health care services towards the underprivileged community will be truly praiseworthy. I appeal to you all to be a part of our humanitarian endeavor by visiting our project, support and motivate us to continue working for the underprivileged people of our Country