Overview
A field visit was conducted to Byrnihat Primary Health Center (PHC) and Bara Killing Village in Ri Bhoi district on 19th June 2024. The visit aimed to reinforce leadership, accountability, and purpose among the block and cluster-level functionaries. Additionally, the team sought to strengthen the citizen-state relationship by addressing the grievances of communities in remote areas.
Objectives of the Field Visit
- To build a sense of purpose, leadership, and accountability in block and cluster-level functionaries.
- To strengthen the citizen-state relationship by addressing the health needs and grievances of remote communities.
Key Activities and Observations
The visit commenced with a review of recent child and maternal deaths under the Byrnihat PHC between January and May 2024. The PHC, which serves approximately 113 villages, many of which are remote, reported seven child deaths and one maternal death during this period. An in-depth review was conducted to identify potential preventable causes for these incidents, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving with local health workers.
Following the review, the team proceeded to Bara Killing Village, a remote community located about 13 kilometers from the PHC. The village comprises predominantly Garo community members, with other Assamese, Nepali, and Khasi inhabitants. During January-May 2024, both an infant and a maternal death had been reported in the village. The visit allowed the team to interact with the family members of the deceased and gain insights into the factors contributing to these incidents.
Key Insights
The field visit highlighted several critical insights:
- Community challenges in accessing health services, particularly in remote areas.
- Limited awareness regarding essential maternal health practices and the importance of institutional delivery.
- The need for increased community engagement and local health system trust-building.
- The necessity of better-equipped health facilities and stronger support for frontline health workers.
Policy Recommendations and Community Support Initiatives
During the visit, key policy recommendations were suggested to improve healthcare delivery and support the local community:
- Ensuring financial and nutritional support for children and families affected by maternal mortality.
- Encouraging institutional delivery and providing birth preparedness plans for expectant mothers.
- Strengthening collaboration with nearby hospitals in Guwahati for better healthcare access under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) for residents of border villages.
Additionally, the importance of a responsive and accessible public health system was reiterated, with efforts to ensure that community members feel confident and supported in seeking care from the public health infrastructure.
Conclusion
The field visit to Byrnihat PHC and Bara Killing Village underscored the critical need for a robust, community-centered approach to healthcare in remote regions. By engaging with local communities and health workers, the state aims to strengthen healthcare delivery, build trust, and ultimately improve health outcomes across the region. These insights and recommendations reflect the ongoing commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.