Dungarpur district in southern Rajasthan is predominantly rural with 54% tribal population. Over half the children under 5 are malnourished 73.6% of the women are anaemic in the rural areas. Prevalence of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, malaria,and pneumonia are high. While majority of childbirths occur in a health facility, newborn and infant death rates are high. Primary healthcare plays a key role in addressing these issues.
Since 2015, the BHS team has run a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Dungarpur in partnership with Government of Rajasthan. With an infusion of skill-building, creating a collaborative work-culture, improvement of infrastructure, and treatment with dignity, BHS has doubled the number of people seeking out-patient support and trebled in-patients. Remote hamlets that fall under the purview of the PHC have been reached out to by strengthening sub-centres, especially for maternal and child health services. The number of deliveries at the PHC has doubled since 2015. Public health physicians and senior nurses mentor the PHC team on a regular basis, building their confidence and sense of purpose. Two senior physicians are available ‘round-the-clock over the phone to consult for emergencies.