Annual Public Dialogue: USAID-NISTHA Support Pilot Project (Jharkhand)

The Annual Public Dialogue was conducted in the last week of May 2023 under the USAID-NISTHA Support Pilot Project in Jharkhand. The USAID-NISTHA Support Pilot Project in Jharkhand Implemented by JHPIEGO in partnership with GRAAM aims to strengthen the healthcare system by establishing JAS and Community monitoring of HWCs. These centers play a vital role in delivering primary healthcare services, promoting preventive care, and addressing the healthcare needs of the community.

Objectives: Through this dialogue stakeholders had the opportunity to review the progress of HWCs, identify & address emerging issues, understand community priorities and promote transparency & accountability within the healthcare system.

Activities: A guideline was developed to define the process & structure of the APD followed by APD Dialogue Delivery. As part of the project deliverables the dialogue was conducted at the block level inciting all the intervention HWCs in Khunti Block and in Chaibasa Sadar Block.

Participants: Dignitaries from district/ block health department, JAS members, representatives of JHPIEGO & GRAAM were present. Dr.Ananya Samajdar (Dy.Director Research), Mr.Bhagavan Bidarakote (Vertical Head- Impact,Innovation and Knowledge Consulting) and Ms.Pooja (State project lead, JAS Project) were present from GRAAM. Overall more than 250 participants took part.

Key Discussion: Certain issues like electricity problem at HWCs, infrastructural distribution between CHCs & HWCs, delay in receipt of funds, etc were discussed. Required resolution was provided on each issue with a decision to escalate unresolved issues to higher authorities on need basis.

Hence, the APD provided a platform for community members to voice their concerns, feedback, and suggestions regarding healthcare services. It gave them a chance for multi sectoral collaboration, action oriented resolution, enhanced community awareness and strengthened stakeholder engagement.