Upskilling of Ground Health Worker – M. Subasri from Pondicherry

Introduction

Subasri, a dedicated ground health worker from Pondicherry, plays a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services to her community. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development, she eagerly enrolled in the program “Upskilling of ASHA and Healthcare Workers to Strengthen India’s Primary Healthcare System.”

Background

With a background as a ground health worker, M. Subasri has been actively involved in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots level. Her commitment to her community led her to seek on-the-job training to enhance her skills and contribute more effectively to the health and well-being of the people she serves.

Benefits Obtained

The upskilling program proved to be a transformative experience for M. Subasri, providing her with a range of valuable benefits:

• Expanded Medical Knowledge: M. Subasri gained in-depth knowledge in various medical aspects, including understanding vital signs, medication administration, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and O2 administration. This comprehensive medical knowledge significantly enhanced her ability to address a wide range of healthcare needs in her community.
• Handling Medical Equipment: The program equipped M. Subasri with practical skills in handling medical equipment. This hands-on training ensures that she can effectively use and manage essential tools and devices in her healthcare practice.
• Improved Communication Skills: Recognizing the importance of effective communication in healthcare, M. Subasri noted an improvement in her communication skills. This is crucial for building trust with the community, understanding their needs, and providing clear health-related information.

Feedback and Suggestions

While appreciating the program, M. Subasri offered valuable feedback and suggestions:

• Desire for More Programs: Expressing a keen interest in further learning, M. Subasri expressed her desire for more programs, specifically focusing on nursing topics. This indicates her commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to deepen her expertise in healthcare.
• Gratitude to Organizers: M. Subasri extended her gratitude to the organizers of the program, thanking them for orchestrating such a beneficial initiative. She acknowledged the positive impact it had on her professional growth and, by extension, on the well-being of her community.

Project Overview

The Upskilling of ASHA and Ground Health Workers project, centred in Pondicherry and Villupuram, aims to comprehensively evaluate and enhance the skills and knowledge of 371 frontline healthcare providers, including ground-level health workers like M. Subasri. The program addresses skill gaps and strives to empower these healthcare providers with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the complexities of delivering quality primary healthcare services. The overarching objective is to make a positive impact on communities by ensuring that these healthcare providers are well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the population. This initiative stands as a commitment to equipping frontline healthcare providers with the expertise needed to serve their communities effectively and make a lasting impact on public health.