Transforming Health Advocate Initiatives in Punjab and beyond through Surgical Community Engagement

Abstract

The provision of healthcare in rural India faces multifaceted challenges, including limited access to specialized services, a shortage of skilled professionals, and inadequate infrastructure. Surgical care and cancer treatment particularly suffer from these barriers, leading to delayed diagnosis and compromised patient outcomes. To address these issues, initiatives like mobile surgical units, telemedicine services, and community-based awareness programs have been implemented, but sustained investment and collaboration are essential for equitable access to quality care.

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between communities and healthcare systems, especially for marginalized populations. They are trained to raise awareness, mobilize communities for health planning, and promote good health practices. With support from various institutions, ASHAs facilitate access to healthcare services and provide vital information on health determinants.

Recognizing the importance of community engagement, the NIHR Global Surgery Unit (GSU) has initiated training sessions for ASHA workers and Community Health Care Workers in key healthcare topics. These include early signs of cancer detection, screening, identification of surgical site infections (SSI), stoma care, and referral pathways. The training efforts have been focused in Punjab, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, reaching thousands of ASHAs and healthcare providers across these states.

Furthermore, rural hospitals such as Manali Mission Hospital, Chinchpada Christian Hospital, and Padhar Hospital have taken the lead in educational programs on wound management, utilizing local languages and visual aids to reach the village population effectively.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including large geographical areas, weak logistics systems, transportation limitations, and lack of infrastructure and resources. To overcome these challenges, adaptations have been made, such as utilizing local resources, holding engagements in unconventional spaces, and using visual aids for better communication.

In conclusion, specialized training for ASHAs and local community practitioners can significantly contribute to preventing, detecting, and managing surgical diseases. By leveraging their proximity to the community and regular patient interactions, ASHAs can play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of surgical diseases. The aim is to expand this model across major cities in Punjab and other states of India, in collaboration with government health initiatives, to create a sustainable and pragmatic approach to healthcare education and training.