IPSI project is providing support to the demonstration districts for improving NQAS certification. One of the strategies adopted for this includes cross-learning visits to other districts that have performed well in NQAS certification. Kalahandi district in Odisha is at the initial stages of NQAS certification and is facing challenges in achieving the goal. As part of IPSI project, two cross-learning visits were organized for Kalahandi district team. First visit was conducted at Sundergarh district of Odisha on 28-30 April, while second visit was conducted at Bhavnagar district of Gujarat on 24-26 June. Both these districts have performed well in NQAS certification of HWCs.
On 2nd July, a workshop was held at the district headquarter of Kalahandi with an objective of reflection and experience sharing on these two cross-learning visits. At the beginning of the session, the District Quality Manager and the District Program Manager (DPM) of Kalahandi, who were key participants in the cross-learning visits, shared their reflections. Participant teams from the two visits then deliberated on expectations from the visits, observed good practices that are feasible for adoption, and not feasible, and overall next steps.
Reflection session was followed by a discussion on the district’s strategy for the next cohort of HWCs aiming for NQAS certification. This session enriched the overall discussion and laid the groundwork for the NQAS certification process for this PIP. This one-hour segment was moderated by Dr. Binod Kumar Patro (AIIMS- Bhuvaneshwar) and involved:
- Formulating plans based on the insights gained from the visits.
- Formulating a month wise Gantt chart for the next cohort with clear timeline for internal, district, state, and national assessment.
- Addressing challenges faced in current practices.
- Setting actionable goals for enhancing the quality at primary healthcare facilities.
The workshop provided a platform for participants to share their insights and experiences from the visits, with the goal of enhancing NQAS certification process in Kalahandi, Odisha.
