Introduction
In the heart of Saharsa district, Bihar, a 55-year-old Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) has become an inspiring example of resilience and dedication. Ms. Renu Kumari, stationed at the Khajuraha Health Sub-Centre (HSC) under PHC Sonbarsa, has been a public health worker since 1989. In the face of limited resources, minimal staff, and advancing age, she has embraced the National NCD Portal, transforming NCD care in her area and earning recognition for her remarkable achievements.
The Challenge
HSC Khajuraha, like many sub-centers across Bihar, operates with only two ANMs and without a Community Health Officer (CHO). With a mounting burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, managing patients without proper digital support has become a significant challenge. Initially, the absence of access to the NCD Application prevented Ms. Renu from logging into the system, stalling digitalization efforts in her block.
The Turning Point
The appointment of a Block Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant (BMEA) in 2020 marked the turning point. With the technical support of the Tata Trusts NCD team, led by Mr. Raushan Roy, Ms. Renu, and other ANMs were trained on the National NCD Application erstwhile CPHC NCD application. Although new to digital platforms and struggling with unfamiliar technology, Ms. Renu’s determination did not waver. Virtual training sessions were conducted due to travel restrictions, and while others adapted quickly, Ms. Renu faced a steeper learning curve. Her limited exposure to smartphones added to her difficulties, but with perseverance and hand-holding support, she began to make progress.
Implementation and Support
Ms. Renu started entering records into the portal, but the transition from paper to digital was slow. She made mistakes, but the unwavering support from block officials, including Data Entry Operator (DEO) Mr. Mohammed Abdul Rehman, helped her gain confidence. Mr. Rehman, a 24-year-old with an MCA qualification, provided crucial hands-on assistance, helping Ms. Renu navigate the portal and even entering data on her behalf initially. Over time, Ms. Renu became proficient with the CPHC NCD Application, moving from manual record-keeping to fully digitalizing patient records.
The Impact
With consistent use of the portal, Ms. Renu achieved outstanding results. She screened and enrolled a vast majority of the target population in her jurisdiction, surpassing expectations and contributing to enhanced patient care through digital records. To date, she has screened over 11,792 individuals, ensuring their data is fully digitalized, despite her challenges with health and technology.
Achievement and Recognition
In recognition of her dedication and contribution to NCD management, Ms. Renu was honored by the Government of Bihar on International Women’s Day, March 6, 2023. Presented the award by Health Minister Mr. Tejaswi Yadav, she was celebrated for her efforts in maximizing NCD screenings and digitalizing records using the National NCD Portal.
Conclusion
Ms. Renu Kumari’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of the National NCD Portal on improving healthcare delivery. Her unwavering commitment to learning and adapting, despite age and technological hurdles, serves as an example for healthcare workers across resource-poor settings in India. She has proven that with the right support, even the most seasoned healthcare professionals can embrace new tools and make significant strides in digital healthcare. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for ANMs who hesitate to adopt new technologies, showing that where there is a will, there is indeed a way.
