A rapid appraisal of organization and influence of RCH camps in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The key objective of the study was to assess whether RCH camps are being organised as per the set guidelines, the referral mechanism, follow-up activities and client satisfaction. It was an observational type of study in which the organisational activities of RCH camps were assessed through direct observation, in-depth interviews and exit-interviews of the beneficiaries in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2007-2008. The study found that most of the CMOs/Dy. CMOs (87.5%) received guidelines from State but approximately half (37.5%) participated in State level training and organised district level training (25%). 75 per cent of Block Medical Officers I/c told that they had received guidelines and training to conduct RCH camps, and among para-medical service providers most (88.24%) received training to organise RCH camps. In majority of the places problem faced by para-medical workers was work overload (50%) and approximately half of the places lack of staff (33.33%) was the main problem. Approximately half of the places of CMO/Dy. CMO (37.5%) suggested that increase in manpower (medical and para-medical) especially surgeons is a must to improve quality of RCH camps. Increase in budget (25%) and re-orientation training of ANM, ASHA and other para-medical staff (25%) were other suggestions.