Village Health Guides

The VHGs are the key link between SWATI and the community and the focal point of the health program. They are given basic first aid kits containing NUMBER different types of medications for common ailments. The VHGs are trained to distribute the medications and earn a small profit from the medicines that they sell in their villages. Since the VHGs also conduct educational sessions about diseases in villages, they serve as the key actors for ensuring their community’s access to primary health care. Additionally, VHGs serve a critical role in empowering women through health education and awareness.
In the present environment a village level health worker is becoming an absolute necessity to ensuring people’s right to health care. Due to the increased participation of government health systems in village-level healthcare, there is a need to reconstruct the role of the Village Health Guides in the changed scenario. There is also a need to build its recognition in the government health delivery system.

Stree Arogya Upchar Kendra (Women’s Health Care Centre)

SWATI has set up a Stree Arogya Upchar Kendra in Patdi in April 2002. The centre provides women-sensitive health care and alternative medical treatments to women, men and adolescents. The centre is managed by ANM OR MAHILA VIKAS SANGH MEMBER? and nominal charges are levied for the services provided. Cases coming to the centre are investigated and on the basis of diagnosis are given treatment or referred to the PHC or CJ (a trust managed) Hospital, Surendranagar.

A new initiative was undertaken last year where an MVS member was trained in naturopathy to provide alternative medical treatment to cases coming to the centre. The centre now also extends alternate healing methods such acupressure, massage, magnet therapy, and hot and cold-water therapy.

The success of the Women’s Health Care Centre in Patdi has encouraged us to begin a similar initiative in the Dhrangadhra block. Preparations are currently underway for setting up a centre that will provide basic medical services and low-cost drugs to its clients.

Association of Traditional Birth Attendants

SWATI recognizes the importance of building relationships with the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) or “dais” in order to ensure that pregnancy-related health concerns are efficiently addressed in villages. SWATI has initiated a process of dialogue with the traditional birth attendants in three blocks. A study conducted by SWATI assessed the role, practices and issues faced by the TBA.