SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health, Gadchiroli)

SEARCH's tribal-friendly hospital, established in 1993, caters to the cultural sensitivities of the local tribal population. The hospital's unique architecture resembles a tribal home, featuring a temple dedicated to the tribal Goddess Maa Danteshwari. To address concerns, doctors avoid wearing white attire, and the outpatient department provides open spaces with trees for patient waiting. Patients admitted can stay with their families in huts built by the tribals. The hospital offers compassionate, culturally appropriate, and affordable medical care, including outpatient, speciality, and surgical services. With over three million outpatient consultations, 34,000 annual visits, and 3,300 surgeries, the hospital has been successful in serving the tribal community with the help of honorary consultants and surgeons.

SEARCH implemented a groundbreaking programme of home-based maternal, newborn, and child care to address the high infant mortality rate in rural Gadchiroli. By training Village Health Workers, known as 'Arogya-doots', in essential newborn care, monitoring, and diagnosis of morbidities, SEARCH provided comprehensive care in the homes of mothers and newborns. The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in neonatal and infant mortality rates, improved maternal and newborn health, and decreased incidence of newborn morbidities. This community-based approach revolutionized newborn care and influenced policies globally, aiming to combat infant and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries.

SEARCH implemented a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in 1989 to gather essential data for research and programme development. Covering 134 villages and 4 blocks with a population of approximately 110,000, the M&E system involved developing, piloting, and finalizing questionnaires for data collection. Trained personnel ensured accurate data collection, which underwent rigorous cross-checking, data entry, cleaning, and analysis. The collected data is archived for reference and serves as a vital tool for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and effectiveness assessment of SEARCH's community-based and hospital-based programmes. This systematic approach allows for evidence-based decision-making and ongoing improvement.

SEARCH collaborated with institutions like the Spine Foundation and Hinduja Hospital to assess chronic non-communicable diseases in rural Gadchiroli. Studies examined musculoskeletal pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Verbal autopsy identified stroke as a leading cause of death, prompting a study on stroke survivors. Additionally, an intervention study focused on controlling hypertension, diabetes, and reducing stroke deaths. To measure the cancer burden, a population-based cancer registry was established with Tata Cancer Hospital. These initiatives provide insights into disease prevalence, guiding targeted interventions.

SEARCH recognized the pressing need for life skills education among adolescents and youth in Maharashtra. Its programme, Tarunyabhan, focused on increasing awareness of reproductive and sexual health, promoting responsible behaviour, and fostering mutual respect between genders. The workshops, conducted in schools, colleges, and villages, covered various topics such as parent-child relationships, sexual health, distinguishing love from infatuation, and risks associated with premarital sexual relations. Additionally, SEARCH's youth sports programme aimed to improve tribal health and development by engaging tribal youth in sports activities, including volleyball and kabaddi. These initiatives not only provided a platform for physical activity but also offered health check-ups and counseling on issues like sickle cell disease.