Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) & State Health Society, Tamil Nadu (SHS TN)
Introduction
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched by the Government of India in 2005, aims to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to rural populations. In Tamil Nadu, the State Health Society (SHS TN) acts as the nodal agency for implementing NRHM initiatives, focusing on enhancing health services across the state.
Pilot Project for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Phase II
The pilot project was a joint initiative between the Government of India (through the National Rural Health Mission) and Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children (MNC). The project aimed to strengthen and expand preventive services of the existing healthcare system through the establishment of Early Intervention Centers (EICs) in two districts (Thoothukudi and Cuddalore). The focus of these centers is the management of screened cases of newborns, infants, and children with birth defects, ensuring timely referral services for disabilities.
Role of Madhuram Narayan Centre (MNC)
MNC had a pivotal role in this initiative on various fronts:
- Provision of Early Intervention Services – MNC offers systemic programs designed to support children with Intellectual Disabilities and associated conditions.
- Mentoring, Supervising and Monitoring – Acting as a consultant for NGOs involved in the project and ensuring best practices.
- Resource Provision – Providing both human and material resources essential for program implementation.
Establishment of Early Intervention Centres (EICs)
Key activities to support the successful establishment of EICs:
- Training Programs – Training of Medical Officers and other personnel from the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) through customized training modules and workshops.
- Recruitment of Special Educators – Special Educators are recruited and trained at MNC for a period of 3 months before being deployed to the EICs.
- Equipping Centres – Each centre is outfitted with necessary training materials and therapy equipment to facilitate early intervention.
- Data Management Systems – All centres have dedicated computer systems equipped with the UPANEETA software to streamline data documentation.
The establishment of Early Intervention Centers (EICs) marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare accessibility for rural communities, with these centers now fully operational and providing essential outreach services to those in need.