Wellness centre concept being promoted for community engagement

They provide universal health care and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for villagers in Rajasthan

The concept of health and wellness centres is being promoted in the rural areas of Rajasthan to ensure community engagement and accountability for delivery of primary health care services amid the decline in the number of active COVID-19 positive cases. A large number of community health officers (CHOs) have been recruited for the purpose.

The wellness centres are expected to provide universal health care and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the villagers. The State government has treated their establishment as a step to reduce the burden on frontline health workers, who had faced difficulties during the pandemic because of the shortage of public health professionals.

Jaipur-based Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) University was selected for providing orientation to the trainers who will guide the CHOs in providing palliative and rehabilitative care and extending the first-level care for emergencies and trauma, including essential drugs and diagnostic services.