International Journal of Health Systems and Implementation Research

Need for Financial Capability Assessment among Family Caregivers of Persons with Severe Mental Illness

2023-12-31T08:20:03+00:00

This editorial discusses the significant impact on caregivers, emphasizing the chronic nature of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression and the challenges faced by individuals with limited income in India. The editorial underscores the importance of financial capability in family well-being and calls for more research to inform policy recommendations for economically disadvantaged individuals. It also addresses the practical and ethical importance of addressing financial capacity issues in people with severe mental illness, noting the vulnerability to financial exploitation. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the financial challenges faced by family caregivers supporting individuals with severe mental illness.

Measles Surge: A Trigger to Inspect Immunization Coverage and Strengthen Health Delivery System

2023-12-31T08:20:03+00:00

Midterm Review of SDG-3 in the State of Himachal Pradesh in India: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward

2023-12-31T08:20:03+00:00

The UN General Assembly replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 25^th September 2015. 193 UN member States adopted the SDGs agenda with the commitment to achieve it by 2030. SDG-3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. World Health Organization is the custodian agency for global monitoring of SDG-3. National Institution for Transforming India (NITI), has the overall responsibility of SDGs implementation in India. NITI is releasing annual Health index to see the overall ranking and incremental progress in all states. The Planning department is the nodal agency to facilitate the implementation of SDG framework in the State of Himachal Pradesh in India. Department of health is the nodal department for implementation of SDG-3. As per the Drishti Himachal Pradesh 2030 (SDG document) the timelines has been fixed to achieve the targets by 2022 and 2030. In midway of SDGs, it is an opportunity to review the progress of SDG -3 in Himachal Pradesh so that the appropriate actions can be taken accordingly.

Mohalla Clinic cum Portable Cabins: One of the Emerging Health System Models

2023-12-31T08:20:04+00:00

This review article describes the Mohalla clinic cum portable cabin model, which is now being adopted as one of the emerging healthcare models for changing the phase of community healthcare services. This clinic serves as the first point of contact for the patients. The sole purpose of this initiative is to improve the healthcare system and boost the primary healthcare facilities at the community level. With this type of health facility introduced, the waiting time for patient consultation can also be reduced. The clinic also reduced the patient’s referral load to secondary and tertiary care centers. This initiative also contributed to a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure on medicine, diagnostics, and other services. This article is based on a review of published articles from various data sources. This study highlights the services, impact, and recommendations in Mohalla Clinics cum portable cabins.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Rural Women in Kumaon Community Nainital, Uttrakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study

2023-12-31T08:20:03+00:00

In developing countries, poor menstrual hygiene practices become a major health issue. Women's menstrual hygiene practices are essential since they have a health impact in becoming more susceptible to reproductive tract infections (RTI). This population-based cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the prevalence of menstrual hygiene practices and their association with socio-demographic characteristics. 346 people aged 15 to 49 years old from Okhalkanda Block in Nainital district, Uttrakhand, participated in the survey. According to the survey, 35.26% of participants used sanitary napkins and there is a statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and menstrual hygiene practice. 86.42% of women change their pads three times or fewer per day.. 42.49% of females prefer to dry their clothes outside at night, while 21.68% prefer to dry them inside. This study highlighted the critical need for accurate menstrual information. Personal hygiene was not adequate during menstruation, which was influenced by factors such as water accessibility and education. Adolescent education is critical for health defense. Women must be educated about the physiological elements of menstruation and conventional beliefs must be challenged. Menstruation should be openly discussed by mothers.

Afferent Turnaround Time for Larger and Smaller Indian States during COVID Lockdown

2024-01-05T09:30:49+00:00

Timely esting and diagnosis of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are critical for containing viral transmission. Afferent turnaround time (ATAT) from sample collection to result receipt directly impacts testing efficacy. There is limited understanding of ATAT dynamics across Indian states during lockdowns. The main objective of the study is to analyze ATAT for smaller and larger states and Union Territories of India during the COVID-19 lockdown. Secondary data analysis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) national COVID-19 testing database from March 25 to May 31, 2020 was done. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean and standard deviation ATATs for larger states, smaller states, and Union Territories across four lockdown phases. Results: Stark ATAT differences observed between states of Jharkhand, Assam and Odisha exhibited prolonged times (53.7±24.57 hrs., 50.57±24.95 hrs., 50.1±21.26 hrs.) while Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Telangana demonstrated shortest times (21.78±14.86 hrs., 23.4±16.72 hrs., 25.95±14.04 hrs.). Smaller states and Union Territories followed similar patterns. Regional disparities highlight varied testing infrastructure and logistics. Significant ATAT variations between Indian states during lockdowns underscore the need for targeted strategies to optimize processes and allocate resources. Findings offer insights to boost pandemic preparedness.

Need to move from WHO’s Health Systems Framework to Health Outcome Framework for Sustainable Improvement in Health

2023-12-31T08:20:04+00:00

The WHO health System Framework has been used since 2007. Though useful in assessing and measuring the six building blocks of health systems and progress over a period of time in a country and comparing with other countries. However, it does not capture patients, families and communities who are the most important stakeholders in health care. It does not take into account the social determinants of health. There is a need to adopt a health outcome framework which addresses all social determinants of health including beneficiaries, their families and community in addition to the health system. The families are the most important players in health as it is family and community where health is ‘produced’ and often diseases start there. The beneficiaries approach health system when their health breaks down and for some preventive services. The authors propose a health outcome framework adapted from World Bank’s health outcome framework. The proposed framework with inclusion of family and community level aspects and social determinants of health is needed. It is more comprehensive as it also includes the building blocks of WHO’s current health systems framework. The authors recommend health outcome framework for use in place of WHO’s health system framework to address all the determinants of health to improve health outcome in a population.

Understanding Implementation issues in Maternal Death Surveillance and Response: A Protocol for Process Reviewing the High Burden States of India

2023-12-31T08:20:04+00:00

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in India, particularly in high burden states where MMR is exceptionally high. The MDSR Guidelines were introduced to address the need for accurate identification, reporting and analysis of maternal deaths, with the aim of developing targeted intervention and improving maternal health outcomes. However, there is limited evidence on the effective implementation of MDSR in the country. This research will help to bridge this knowledge gap and provide insights into the strengths and weakness of the current MDSR system, as well as recommendations for improvement. This research will employ a mixed method approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary MDSR data along with qualitative data analysis collected through in-depth interviews and surveys among health care providers and stakeholders involved in the MDSR process.