Optimum Utilization of Counsellors Through Comprehensive Multi-Skilling Programme

Problem Statement

Since the beginning of NHM, the positioning of counselors is as per vertical programmes’ need under various national programmes of NHM, thus they are trained in respective specific programmes. However as per the recent shift from vertical Programme perspective to health systems approach, it has been proposed to optimize Human resources productivity through multiskilling. In NHM, Maharashtra, several different Programme counselors are appointed at Hospitals such as RKSK, ICTC, Mental Health, Sickle cell, NCD etc. none utilized optimally.

Programme Description

Counseling is an important public health strategy for disease prevention, and compliance to treatment. Maharashtra developed this innovative multi skilling of counselor for their effective utilization. Project is implemented in 32 Health Facilities of 25 Districts of during Jan2019 to July 2019 with objectives of ensuring optimal utilization of counselors for providing comprehensive counseling services to patients and their relatives at Health facilities to improve overall awareness about various health programmes amongst the patients and family members.

Two days ToTs of District level Officers/ HFWTC faculty followed by District level trainings using the training material and flip chart by SHSRC with financials support from UNICEF. Programme was monitored and evaluated.

Programme Outcomes

2,48,157 patients and 2,10,432 relatives counseled during 19,937 days visit in wards. 13,309 group session and 7,971 field counseling sessions conducted by approximately 1200 Counselors.

Scalability

The Programme has a potential for up scaling to other states in the country.

Implementation Partner

Public Health Department, Maharashtra (SFWB and SHSRC)

Financial Implication

60 lakhs.

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019