Reflections on a Book: ‘A Doctor’s Experiment in Bihar’

Reflections on a Book: ‘A Doctor’s Experiment in Bihar’ A small introduction It is a book about a doctor who had a purpose – to transform maternal and child healthcare in the unserved population of India. After completing her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology she decided to work in a district hospital in Bihar and … Continue reading Reflections on a Book: ‘A Doctor’s Experiment in Bihar’

A Balanced Diet Amidst Imbalances

A Balanced Diet Amidst Imbalances Most people have only two meals a day. They mainly eat rotis, sometimes only rotis. It’s interesting how just ‘Rota/Roti’ is referred as a meal here. Whenever I carry khichdi or Poha for lunch, I’ve been asked several times by different people, “Arey khana nahi khaoge?”. While a meal is seen to be incomplete … Continue reading A Balanced Diet Amidst Imbalances

Of the glamour of primary health care, and clinical courage

Of the glamour of primary health care, and clinical courage Reflections from a physician on what primary healthcare means to her Till 5 years ago, my work as a pediatrician and public health physician was quite far away from primary health care. Be it working in a tertiary care hospital, or a training institution, or … Continue reading Of the glamour of primary health care, and clinical courage

Oxytocin paper and the important life lessons it taught me

September 2020 was a special month for me. A publication in the journal Epidemiology (https://journals.lww.com/epidem/Fulltext/2020/09000/Antenatal_Uterotonics_as_a_Risk_Factor_for.9.aspx) brought to a finale an effort that began 7 years ago. This was a journey that saw a lot of hard work and submissions in multiple journals, but yet not being able to make it, until now. The ‘oxytocin paper’ … Continue reading Oxytocin paper and the important life lessons it taught me

सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता के जीवन में एक दिन

सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता के जीवन में एक दिन ग्रामीण राजस्थान में, सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता नई भूमिकाओं को अपना रहे हैं – वह है महामारी से जुड़ी भ्रांतियों और लॉकडाउन से जुड़े भय को दूर कर रहे है| मैं राजस्थान के उदयपुर जिले के एक गाँव मातासुला में रहती हूँ| मैं एक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता के रूप में बेसिक हेल्थकेयर सर्विसेज (BHS) के साथ काम करती हूं, ताकि स्थानीय समुदायों के लोगों के बीच स्वास्थ्य और पोषण के बारे में जागरूकता पैदा कर सकूं। मैं 2014 से BHS के साथ जुड़ी हूँ और पिछले आठ महीनों से मानपुर क्लिनिक में कार्यरत हूँ। मेरे अलावा, सिस्टर (नर्स), भैया (एक पुरुष सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता, जो पुरुषों के साथ अधिक निकटता से बातचीत करते हैं), बाईजी (क्लीनर), और एक अन्य वरिष्ठ स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता भी क्लिनिक में कार्यरत हैं। COVID-19 से पहले, मैं आमतौर पर प्रत्येक दिन की शुरुआत में फ़ील्ड (कार्यक्षेत्र) में बाहर निकलती थी, लेकिन अब लॉकडाउन के कारण, हम फ़ील्ड (कार्यक्षेत्र) में कम ही जाते हैं। आजकल, हम क्लिनिक में अधिकतर समय सिस्टर की मदद करते हुए बिताते है। हम मरीजों से उनकी यात्रा की हिस्ट्री के बारे में पूछते हैं कि क्या उनके घर या गांव में कोई भी व्यक्ति कहीं बाहर से लौटा है, और घर पर क्या स्थिति है। लॉकडाउन से पहले, सिस्टर और वरिष्ठ स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता फ़ील्ड (कार्यक्षेत्र) में प्रसव पूर्व देखभाल (एंटी नेटल केयर) और प्रसवोत्तर देखभाल (पोस्ट नेटल केयर) का कार्य किया करते थे। वे इन महिलाओं को आयरन और कैल्शियम सप्लीमेंट देते थे, और काउंसलिंग सेशन आयोजित करते थे। अब ऐसा कुछ भी नहीं हो सकता है। हम फोन पर कुछ माताओं के साथ बात करते हैं, और उन्हें सलाह देते हैं कि उन्हें किन गोलियों और सावधानियों को लेने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है, लेकिन हम समूह सत्र आयोजित नहीं कर सकते हैं और पहले हम जितनी महिलाओं तक पहुँच सकते थे, अब ऐसा नहीं कर सकते हैं। मैं एक फुलवारी1 सुपरवाइज़र भी हूं, लेकिन अब जब फुलवारी बंद हो गई है, तो हम पहले जो काम किया करते थे, वह काम अब नहीं कर सकते है, जैसे कि बच्चों का वजन करना और कुपोषित बच्चों की पहचान करना। हालांकि, हम अभी भी फुलवारी से भोजन तैयार और व्यवस्थित करते हैं, फिर इसे पार्सल करते हैं, और हमारे फुलवारी वर्कर बच्चों को भोजन वितरित करते हैं। और भले ही माता-पिता की मीटिंग्स … Continue reading सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य कार्यकर्ता के जीवन में एक दिन

प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य में मेरा नर्सिंग का सफ़र : नामुम्किन कुछ भी नहीं !

प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य में मेरा नर्सिंग का सफ़र : नामुम्किन कुछ भी नहीं ! धीरज जैन , नर्स मेंटर , बेसिक हेल्थ केयर सर्विसेज- मैंने 14 साल पहले GNM की पढ़ाई पूरी की थी।  नर्सिंग में जुड़ने के लिए मेरे मामाजी ने प्रोत्साहित किया था जो ख़ुद एक नर्स है। उन्होंने कहा था कि ये सेवा … Continue reading प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य में मेरा नर्सिंग का सफ़र : नामुम्किन कुछ भी नहीं !

What worries tribal communities of Rajasthan in the times of lockdown?

What worries tribal communities of Rajasthan in the times of lockdown? Government’s sudden announcement on March 22 of the lockdown, and another announcement of 14 April for its extension created huge panic waves across the country. The situation for migrant workers and their families living in far-off villages is grave, especially in terms of food … Continue reading What worries tribal communities of Rajasthan in the times of lockdown?

प्रवासियों के लिए कोरोना का अर्थ है कोई रोजगार ना रहा।

प्रवासियों के लिए कोरोना का अर्थ है कोई रोजगार ना रहा। लॉक डाउन के कारण पूरे देश में आज आर्थिक गतिविधियाँ रुक गई है। इस कठिन दौर में आदिवासी बाहुल्य क्षेत्रों के प्रवासियों को जो कि रसोई कार्य, कपड़ा व्यवसाय, फेक्ट्री वर्कर व कन्स्ट्रक्शन कार्य आदि में मजदूरी का काम करते है, उनको अपने रोजमर्रा के … Continue reading प्रवासियों के लिए कोरोना का अर्थ है कोई रोजगार ना रहा।

Responding to the pandemic of 21st century : Dynamics of power, intersections and the ‘Imagined Corona’ in India

Responding to the pandemic of 21st century : Dynamics of power, intersections and the ‘Imagined Corona’ in India Why is it that the Coronavirus epidemic has led to such a strong and harsh global response? How does power dynamics across social and economic spectrum play a role in making such decisions?A delightful blog by our … Continue reading Responding to the pandemic of 21st century : Dynamics of power, intersections and the ‘Imagined Corona’ in India

Managing healthcare in remote, rural areas in the times of COVID: Insights from a doctor on the frontline

Managing healthcare in remote, rural areas in the times of COVID: Insights from a doctor on the frontline With much focus on Covid-19, there is a loss of focus on other healthcare services. The most affected are patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Tuberculosis,  Rheumatic diseases etc. We are noticing several … Continue reading Managing healthcare in remote, rural areas in the times of COVID: Insights from a doctor on the frontline

Covid-19 crisis: Shift focus from hospitals to primary care

Covid-19 crisis: Shift focus from hospitals to primary care Our colleague Dr Pavitra Mohan, and Dr Nachiket Mor argue for the need to focus on and strengthening primary care to manage the #COVID19 crisis. Click on the link to read full article. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/covid-19-crisis-shift-focus-from-hospitals-to-primary-care/article31278485.ece?fbclid=IwAR2WFdAcX2st9523NN9KouKXMFyuVYKo0-ga2WCmSza4csD-yPb25fnZ0Zc

Coronavirus: Separating facts from hype

Coronavirus: Separating facts from hype With flood of articles, assumptions and theories doing rounds, there is a dire need for scientific evidence that informs decisions around tackling COVID19.Our colleagues Pavitra Mohan and Arpita Amin bring out a piece drawing in robust findings that separates facts from hypes around the disease. Click on the link below … Continue reading Coronavirus: Separating facts from hype

Three ways to combat coronavirus

Three ways to combat coronavirus Strengthening primary and community health care, combined with vastly expanded testing, will be key to overcoming the pandemic, as the lock-down provides some time. Click on the link below to read the full article by our colleagues. https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/three-ways-to-combat-coronavirus-120032801149_1.html?fbclid=IwAR1Jm_qjVOjhwO20gUNz2lm494frkqux2Xbo11hcwyfXGqtCeA2Ctw0d7FI#.XoBLNZewins.facebook

World TB Day: Let’s Renew Our Pledge to End Tuberculosis

World TB Day: Let’s Renew Our Pledge to End Tuberculosis March 24 marks the day on which Robert Koch announced the discovery of the bacteria that causes TB, 138 years ago. Today is a sober reminder to the public health community to revisit the disease and renew our efforts to ensure prompt diagnosis, better management … Continue reading World TB Day: Let’s Renew Our Pledge to End Tuberculosis

#PeriodPaath : Open Letter Contest

PeriodPaath : Open Letter Contest For years, stigma associated with menstruation has not only prevented conversation on the issue, but also hindered initiatives for better menstrual hygiene practices. Menstruation is an integral part of the discussion around workforce productivity and empowerment of individuals. It also currently stands a key barrier to menstruating persons’ access to … Continue reading #PeriodPaath : Open Letter Contest

India’s Towering Food Inflation Will Make Child Malnutrition Worse

India’s Towering Food Inflation Will Make Child Malnutrition Worse Increasing food prices in India are likely to worsen the malnutrition levels, especially among communities that are already food scarce. A piece by our colleagues on the situation and a call to action. Click on the link to read full article: https://thewire.in/health/food-inflation-child-malnutrition-nfhs-pds-midday-meals-stunting

Malaria elimination: where does Rajasthan stand

Malaria elimination: where does Rajasthan stand Udaipur’s geographic position and climatic condition has been long favourable for transmission of malaria. But what is disturbing is that this deadly and fatal disease that spreads through the bite of a mosquito continues to affect residents of Udaipur district even in the year 2020. Large numbers of people … Continue reading Malaria elimination: where does Rajasthan stand