The “Strengthening of Primary Healthcare” initiative in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, is a comprehensive effort to improve healthcare services at the grassroots level. With support from Mankind Pharma Ltd. and implementation by MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child (MAMTA-HMIC), the project focuses on empowering frontline health workers, upgrading infrastructure at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and promoting community engagement through awareness and education. The initiative aligns healthcare services with the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), ensuring a sustainable impact on community health outcomes.

Capacity Building of Health Workers
Empowering Community Health Officers (CHOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) is a cornerstone of this initiative. Regular training programs equip these frontline workers with skills to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services effectively. These sessions also focus on enhancing their ability to screen, diagnose, and treat illnesses, ensuring they can address community health needs holistically while fostering stronger referral linkages.

Infrastructure Strengthening
Significant investments in infrastructure improvements are transforming the HWCs into more accessible, community-friendly spaces. Enhancements such as constructing pathways, painting walls with health awareness messages, and prominently displaying logos have increased the visibility and identity of these centres. These efforts ensure better accessibility and create a welcoming environment that encourages community participation and utilization of healthcare services.

Community Engagement and Awareness Activities
The project includes a range of initiatives to promote health awareness and community participation. From rallies and slogan-writing competitions to educational sessions led by CHOs, these activities address critical health issues such as hepatitis prevention, reproductive health, nutrition, and tobacco control. Events like World Hepatitis Day, Eye Care Fortnight, and World Breastfeeding Week have reached thousands, spreading essential messages about early diagnosis, preventive care, and healthy practices.

Celebration of Health Days
Key health events, including World Population Day, National Nutrition Week, and World Heart Day, have been celebrated with engaging community programs. These events feature rallies, health talks, and interactive sessions, raising awareness on topics ranging from gender equality and family planning to cardiovascular health. Beneficiaries have included students, community members, and healthcare workers, reflecting a widespread commitment to fostering a healthier society.

Distribution of Equipment and Educational Materials
MAMTA-HMIC has played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative. On July 2, 2024, MAMTA hosted a landmark handover ceremony, during which, over 1 lakh IEC materials and essential medical equipment were distributed to 10 HWCs and 1 PHC. This transfer was attended by prominent health officials, including Dr. Ajay Pathak (Chief Medical Officer, Sirmaur), Dr. Nisar (MOH, Sirmaur), and Dr. Gagandeep (DPO HWC, Sirmaur). Representatives from Mankind Pharma, including Mr. Akhilesh (CSR Head) and plant heads, were also present, underscoring the collaboration’s strong commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.

Supportive Supervision and Accreditation
Regular monitoring visits and assessments at HWCs ensure adherence to NQAS standards. These evaluations, combined with the review of IEC materials and records, help identify and address gaps in service delivery. This ongoing supervision ensures continuous improvement in the quality of care and facility readiness.

Specialized Campaigns and Awareness Drives
Innovative campaigns such as the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, Adolescent Health Day, and the Tobacco-Free Campaign have addressed specific health concerns. These initiatives use tailored awareness sessions, distribution of health kits, and practical demonstrations to educate the community on critical issues like hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.

Promoting Maternal and Child Health
Focused programs such as Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and ANC Days highlight maternal health. These initiatives provide free antenatal care, identify high-risk pregnancies, and educate expecting mothers on essential nutrition and danger signs during pregnancy. Simultaneously, sessions on immunization and adolescent health ensure comprehensive coverage of critical stages in life.

Through these multi-faceted initiatives, the project demonstrates a robust commitment to strengthening healthcare services, raising awareness, and fostering healthier communities across the Sirmaur district. Each activity underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable health outcomes.