Pune-based institute to implement innovative health initiative for slum-dwellers

The Institute of Health Management Pachod (IHMP), Pune, will launch an “Integrated health program” on January 6 for the most vulnerable sections of people residing in 121 slums in Pune (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC). 

The programme, with a special focus on women and children, is meant to provide diagnostic, preventive, and curative services.

The CSR (corporate social responsibility) health initiative, supported by Bajaj Finserv, will be inaugurated by K H Govinda Raj, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Maharashtra .

It also aims to demonstrate a model that can be replicated by the state government for slum populations in various cities of Maharashtra, Dr Ashok Dyalchand, Director IHMP, told sources.

The initiative will have 7 distinct interventions – executed by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), who will assess health needs every month through house visits, using a digital app designed by IHMP.

Apart from accompanying patients for referral services, ASHAs will also actively link them with Urban PHCs run by the corporation, or to slum-level clinic and Mobile Medical Units (MMUs).

There will be one MMU for every 50 slum areas, with each unit having a doctor, nurse, and laboratory technician to provide the services covered under the health initiative.