ABSTRACT

SGSY - Imparting of Training to Women SHG Members in Paramedical activities - Approving of Family Health Volunteers Scheme - orders issued.

Rural Development (SGSY) Department

G.O.Ms. No. 25
Dated 28-2-2005.

Read:-

(2) Director of Rural Development's Roc.No.7186/2004/SGSY I(3), dated 11.8.2004 and 3.1.2005.

****

ORDER:

The Government of Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in providing one of the best health care delivery services in the country. The State has an extremely well laid network of health infrastructure in the rural areas which includes health sub centres and Primary health centres for providing better community health care to the people. The state also has well trained doctors and paramedical staff at all levels. Even though the health care delivery is well established it is felt that the treatment of the minor ailments is often not available at the community level round the clock especially in the remote and inaccessible areas. It is also felt that involving community in the management of minor ailments, promotion of family health practices, home care of the new born etc. will go a long way in improving the health outcomes of the people especially in the remote and inaccessible areas.

2. It has also been observed that in the absence of community based qualified and well trained family health volunteers people often seek care from unqualified service providers. In order to ensure that round the clock care for minor ailments is available to people at their doorstep for the treatment, Government has proposed to launch a family health link volunteer scheme throughout Tamil Nadu. it is proposed to train women belonging to Self Help Groups in providing care and treatment for the minor ailments, promotion of maternal and child health care services, identification of the danger signs and referral to appropriate institutions as well as improved family health. They will also be trained to dispense Indian Systems of medicine for common ailments. They would also act as depot holders of ISM drugs. These trained volunteers would also act as the bridge between the Government health care providers and the community.

3. Based on the proposal of Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, the Director of Rural Development has drawn the Family Health Volunteer Scheme and sought for the approval of the Government, in the reference second read above. The salient features of the Scheme are as below:-

(1) The Scheme aims to promote Maternal and Child health care services and improve family health by enhancing the networking between the Village Health Nurse and the community through women link volunteers, selected from the SHG members and given adequate training on health issues.

(2) Among other things, training will be given to the members on the basic anatomy and physiology of human body with special reference to reproduction, Anemia, Family Welfare, New born care, First-Aid, Family counseling, Adolescent Health, Immunization, Yoga, Transport and Emergency care etc.,

(3) The Scheme will be implemented in 5 Villages in each block, therefore 1925 (5 x 385) villages will be covered.

(4) 1) Institute of Public Health, Poonamallee will prepare the training curriculum and module in consultation with the Commissioner of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy.

2) A team of 5 SHG members per district will be identified and provided training. These TOTs will inturn provide training to the Family Health Volunteers.

3) The training shall consist of two phases. In first phase, 2 months training will be provided as initial training. Later a refresher training of one month will be conducted after 6 months.

4) All the Volunteers will be provided with Identity Card, Drugs and Instruments Kit.(both Allopathy & ISM)

5) The Scheme will generate income for the SHG members as they can charge fee from the people for providing these kind of services.

(5) Tentative budget estimate for the scheme works out to Rs.1,03,21,390/- and the same will be met from the SGSY Scheme.

The Director of Rural Development has sought for the approval of the above Training Programme and the Budget Estimate.

4. The Government have proposed to accept the above proposal. Accordingly, the Government approve the Family Health Volunteers Scheme drafted by the Director of Rural Development to provide Training in basic health care to the Women SHG members in villages. The Government also approve the cost estimate of Rs.1,03,21,390/- (Rupees one crore three lakhs twenty one thousand three hundred and ninty only) worked out for the Training Programme and direct that the same shall be met from the SGSY Scheme.

5. The Director of Rural Development is requested to implement the Scheme mentioned above, in co-ordination with the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai.

6. The Director of Rural Development is also requested to send a report on the outcome of the Training Programme to Government in due course.

7. This order issues with the concurrence of Health & Family Welfare Department vide its U.O.No. 112/Secy./H&FW, Dated 28.2.2005.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

SANTHA SHEELA NAIR,
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT.

To

The Director of Rural Development,Chennai-15

The Director of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Chennai-6

All District Collectors.

Copy to:

Secretary to Chief Minister, Chennai-9.

PS to Minister (IP&LA), Chennai-9.

PS to Secretary to Rural Development Department, Chennai-9.

The Health and Family Welfare Department, Chennai-9.

SF/SC.

//forwarded/by order//

SECTION OFFICER.