This evaluation assessed the community health outcomes and health-seeking decisions in Satara, Maharashtra and provided recommendations for future health interventions.
Background
India has made significant progress in the healthcare sector in terms of developing vaccinations and ensuring that healthcare is easily accessible, particularly to rural communities. Challenges on a fundamental level however still remain: 19% of the population still practises open defecation, 64% of households do not have mosquito nets which prevent diseases such as malaria, and the quality of public healthcare centres remains poor. Maharashtra is the second most populous state in the country and also registered the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases in the country across the first (2020) and second wave (2021). While historically the health status in Maharashtra has been better than the other states, the state’s rural health system requires major public and private support to address its current problems.
LEAD collaborated with Mann Deshi Foundation to conduct an evaluation in Satara, Maharashtra focussing on community health outcomes, social determinants and health-seeking decisions in the region.
The primary objectives of the study were to:
- Examine the current state and conduct a needs assessment survey of health in Maharastra’s Satara district, where the Mann Deshi Foundation is located, and plans to implement health interventions;
- Assess the social and economic context, as well as any current health problems, in the community;
- Identify resources and the potential for improved health service delivery through targeted initiatives.
Approach
The study gathered insights from residents of specific talukas in the district, primary healthcare centres and private clinics/hospitals and other key stakeholders of the community.
Implications
This study addressed broad questions that will be instrumental in determining the community’s health requirements, including: What were the evolving needs to be addressed? How did they fit the current/future objectives of the initiative? What were the available resources/capabilities? Who were the stakeholders? What drove the ability to co-create collaborative efforts? What were the activities required to be undertaken, where and for whom? What were the resources required for the identified needs? What flexibility mechanisms can be integrated to build an agile, efficient system? (current and potential future).
Results forthcoming.