COVID-19 response in tribal, high migration areas of Southern Rajasthan

Basic Healthcare Services(BHS) runs Primary Health Care Services among tribal, high migration communities of South Rajasthan. During the first wave of COVID, BHS provided uninterrupted healthcare, conducted surveillance, addressed fear and myths, and helped contain the epidemic in areas it serves.

As the second wave of the epidemic hits the rural areas, we are seeing large numbers of people affected by the disease among the populations we serve, much more than in the first wave. Unprepared health systems and myths and fears associated with the disease are helping spread the disease and are likely to cause high numbers of deaths. District hospitals are already overloaded with COVID patients. There are also fears and mistrust about COVID vaccination. 

BHS has the longstanding presence of community-based primary healthcare services, technical expertise, and partnerships with public systems. Making use of these strengths, BHS is well-positioned to make meaningful responses for the prevention and management of the COVID pandemic in rural, tribal areas of South Rajasthan.

1. COVID Care Centers: We have helped set up the first COVID care facility in Sabla tehsil of Dungarpur district, equipped with oxygen. We propose to set up two more such facilities in two tribal blocks of Udaipur district, serving a population of about 300,000
2. Teleconsultation service: We would set up teleconsultation services for a population of 1,25,000 or more people to be able to connect with Nurses and doctors overcall. The teleconsultation services will allow us to reinforce prevention behaviors, clarify doubts and provide medical advice. 
3. Assisting home care of infected patients: We would assist families in about 25 panchayats (about 25000 families) to provide home care to the infected individuals through a network of community volunteers
4. Promote vaccination among the eligible population: Through the PHC we run as a public-private partnership, we have already vaccinated more than 2000 population. We would address the myths associated with vaccination and ensure complete vaccination of about 8000 additional eligible people.
5. Promote awareness on prevention and care for COVID: Many marriages and other ceremonies are leading to the spread of disease. We would help promote individual behavior (masks, ventilation, etc) and also prevent social gatherings.
6. Ensure uninterrupted care for women and children: While managing COVID, through our clinics, we would continue to provide care for women and children such as safe childbirth and childhood immunization. 

We aim to ensure care to about 1000 patients managed at COVID care centers, about 1000 patients supported at households, vaccinate 8000 eligible people, and reach out to a tribal population of 1,25,000 with correct contextual information for preventing and managing COVID.

The villages are awash with people fearing the hospitals with the fear of contacting COVID. In such times, a primary healthcare system rooted in the community is critical. As Nanu Bai*, a 55-year old lady, rightly says, “Apni sister tika yahin (sub centre) laga degi”, which translates to “Our Sister will vaccinate us here at the sub-centre (which is closer to home and a short walk away)”. A combination of awareness, vaccination, provision of care would help in mitigating the wrath of COVID in these communities. 

Donate now and join us in fighting COVID-19 in rural areas.

Donors will get tax benefit. We are able to accept US$ donations too as we are FCRA compliant.