Empower Women Bridging Rural Healthcare Gaps

Problem

Simple tests which make a life or death difference for people's long term health are not available in the rural community. The critical gap in rural healthcare is the lack of basic diagnostic tests. While urban households have access to affordable diagnostic devices, rural communities lack these services. A pilot study revealed significant disparities in test availability across districts, leaving rural residents without access to even basic diagnostic tests. Furthermore, 80% of the medical workforce is concentrated in just a few cities, leaving rural areas underserved.

Our Solution

To address these challenges, Plustrust launched the Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE) program, empowering women with entrepreneurial spirits to bring healthcare services to their communities. Through micro-incubation support, these women establish microservice enterprises in the healthcare sector.

These women offer essential services like blood pressure monitoring, glucose testing, and infectious disease diagnosis, enabling early diagnosis and intervention. We ensure access to diagnostic equipment and offer tele-consultations with volunteer doctors. This program bridges the rural healthcare gap, promotes health awareness and education in rural communities.

Impact

Over the last 2 years, we have offered 47 CHE Fellowship opportunities in 3 states , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

The CHE program has empowered women entrepreneurs, enabling them to offer essential diagnostic services and improve the viability of their microservice enterprises. The program has expanded to include more locations, with active participants already making a significant impact on their communities by earning income while addressing critical healthcare needs.

By providing doorstep diagnostic services, the CHE program enhances rural primary healthcare. It serves individuals with acute health issues and those living with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and anaemia.

Way forward

Our future plans involve expanding the program to include eye care and oral health services in collaboration with NGOs and teaching hospitals, making comprehensive healthcare accessible in rural areas.

We aim to create the India Health Fellowships (IHF) to further improve rural healthcare access. IHFs will be selected from CHE graduates and grassroots NGOs interested in healthcare and diagnostics. They will build local networks of women to provide basic tests, guidance, and custom health camps, creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem in rural areas.

Our Ask

We spend approximately Rs 1- 1.2 lakh on a fellowship and all contributions are welcome

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a network of empowered women entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of improving healthcare access in rural India. We aim to fill diagnostic and healthcare gaps and empower these women to become leaders in their communities. Through the CHE program and the upcoming India Health Fellowships, we envision a future where even the most remote villages have access to critical healthcare services, transforming the lives of countless individuals in rural India. Join us in making a difference in the health and well-being of underserved communities