One of the major components of urban health care
approach has been the community based honorary health worker scheme
which has been operationlised in West
Bengal since 1986 through different health programmes like CUDP, IPP-VIII,
UHIP in KMA ULBs and IPP-VIII (Extn.), RCH Sub-Project, Asansol and HHW
Scheme in Non-KMA ULBs. With the objective of strengthening the existing community based primary
health care services in the ULBs DFID has extended support under KUSP
not only to 40 KMA ULBs but also to 22 Non-KMA ULBs. To get an overview of the existing health care
delivery system a study had been conducted by CMU through Interim
Support Consultants. The intended outcomes of the study were to
strengthen the community based HHW programme to improve access to and
the quality of health services for the urban poor; and to develop a
frame work for mainstreaming HIV / AIDS as part of the larger health
care system in the ULBs.
A Health Steering Committee was constituted during November, 2004 by CMU
to finalize the design of the health component of KUSP programme. The
Study Report of ISC including key findings and recommendation was shared
with Health Steering Committee and subsequently with Health Officer &
Asstt. Health Officer of the ULBs.
Attempt were made to cover
the remaining 63 ULBs in Non-KMA area which was not covered by
any of the Primary Health Care Projects is to be brought under Primary
Health Care System. Accordingly, a project namely “Community Based
Primary Health Care Services” has been taken up by the H&FW
Department in co-ordination with the Municipal Affairs Department.
