Overview
The journey of VHAI in managing the 5 PHCs in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has been both rewarding and a learning experience. Since the state under discussion has a difficult geographical terrain, Arunachal Pradesh was given the state status in 1987. It is situated in the North eastern part of India with 83743 sq. kms area and shares a long international border with Bhutan in the west (160 km), China in the north and north-east (1,080 km) and Myanmar in the east (440 km). Arunachal is the largest state, area-wise, in the north east region. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh handed VHAI over the management of five almost dysfunctional Primary Health Centres in January 2006.
Keeping in context the pioneering efforts of VHAI in making the five almost dysfunctional PHCs not only functional but also improving the health seeking behaviour of the community, the State Government decided to hand over the management of the Community Health Centre (CHC) located in Deomali, Tirap district to VHAI with effect from 1 August 2009. Soon after the take over, VHAI deployed several qualified doctors, including specialists, and placed the nursing and paramedical staff as per the Memorandum of Understanding.
With all these efforts in place the healthcare delivery has improved significantly; almost four times after the takeover. Now the hospital is suitable to become a first referral unit (FRU), since the operation theater (OT) and related facilities are in place.
- VHAI was handed over the management of the CHC in Deomali w.e.f August 2009